Gay couples to face new era of financial discrimination
[i]The impact of changes to pension entitlements for same-sex couples and the lack of information from or co-operation by Centrelink in the implementation of these changes. We recommend ‘grandfathering’ the changes for those already receiving income support, especially those over 55 years.[/i]
Many gay people lobbied for and supported the government’s long overdue recognition of same-sex couples in federal legislation and regulation. We support equality for all Australians. However the transition from inequality and exclusion, to equality and inclusion needs to consider the impact on the more vulnerable members of our community.
Older lesbian and gay people have lived in an Australia where homosexual acts were illegal, where a blind-eye was turned to discrimination, where abuse, intimidation and physical violence was commonplace, and where their same-sex relationships (and the benefits and responsibilities which come with marriage) were not recognised by the State.
Gay men have lived through the horrors of the HIV epidemic, with many still living with HIV, but unable to return to work due to ongoing sickness. The financial costs on individuals and couples has compounded the physical costs.
Now, finally their relationships are to be recognised and the first tangible impact of this recognition is a reduction in income support for many. This is not fair.
Same-sex couples have had to arrange their finances as two independent people. They have received none of the financial benefits or entitlements afforded by the State to married couples. Older LGBT people have planned their retirement finances on this basis. Now, because they will be treated as a “marriage-like” relationship, one or both partners will have their pension income reduced or stopped completely.
LGBT senior support organisations are already receiving calls from worried seniors and people with HIV, afraid of what will happen to them and afraid of Centrelink investigating their lives and relationships. Many are unwilling to seek information or support from Centrelink (even accessing their website) for fear that Centrelink will track them down and cut their pension. Many have never talked publicly or to government services about their relationship.
There has been a lack of information through LGBT community communication channels about the changes and what they mean, and a lack of independent advice available to LGBT people affected by the changes from services they can trust. People have not had the information or time to make the necessary changes to their finances.and there has been no attempt by Centrelink to organise public education campaigns and asking about support for individuals.
Consideration needs to be given to how these changes will affect LGBT people already in receipt of income support, just as consideration has been provided to other groups when major changes to the income support system were introduced in the past.
Recommendations
- ‘grandfathering’ the introduction of these changes for those already receiving income support, especially those over 55
- funding independent financial advice and advocacy services for those affected by the changes
- communication by Centrelink, using LGBT communication channels and in partnership with LGBT community organisations, on what these changes will mean and how they will be introduced.
More information
[url=http://www.thesenior.com.au/news.asp?publication=SA&articletype;=general%20news&ArticleID;=1038]The Senior[/url]
[url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/opinion/gay-couples-to-face-new-era-of-financial-discrimination/2008/12/05/1228257316542.html]Sydney Morning Herald[/url]
I don't think they should get any financial support. Men should be men and women should be women. Medical help to be that should be given. Or am I misled about something?
Also, I think it is grossly wrong for Mr Rudd to give that pension bonus to Aussie people living in other countries. That only builds their economics. As well as people from other countries who are not Australians. Put Ozzies first and foremost, and stop the immigration department from bringing more people into this country when we don't have enough for our homeless and pensioners, why should we give to them as well? They didn't raise this country up to what it is, they know we are stupid and easy here and let anyone in, so they come and suck the life out of us and we true blue ozzies have to suffer.
This is a free country right? so I have a right to say what I think. Democratic? I don't think.
What annoys me is; that if we went over to some of these countries of people living here, we wouldn't be allowed to build schools or churches in our faith, nor would we be allowed to dress the way we do here in theirs. So will someone tell me why we allow it in this country? Is the government affraid that if they don't bow down to their every whim they will rise up and bomb us? How dare that person in prison demand that he must have special food because he was muslin!!! Don't commit crimes in our country and you wouldn't be in prison, don't ask for special food, you don't deserve it. You committed a crime, so wear it like an Ozzie. Or leave. Why did they give into his demands I'd and thousands of Ozzies would like to know? anyone game to answer? Don't tell me he had a right!! We wouldn't get a right in his country, if they love their way of life so much then why don't they all stay in their own country? I just can't work out any logic to it all, It baffles me. Australia is going to the pack.