The Same-Sex Relationships (Equal Treatment in Commonwealth Laws—General Law Reform) Act 2008 received Royal Assent on 9 December 2008. It removes discrimination against same-sex couples and their children from a wide range of Commonwealth laws and programs.
As part of the Act, the Health Insurance Act 1973 has been amended to recognise same-sex relationships and allow same-sex couples and their children to register as a family for Medicare Safety Net purposes, and thereby receive the same entitlements as opposite-sex couples and their children. It is to take effect from 1 January 2009.
For further information on the administration of the Medicare Safety Nets visit the Medicare Australia website.
For a summary of all Commonwealth legislation and programs which have changed following the Same-Sex Relationships Act, visit the Attorney-General’s Department website.
To view the legislative amendments: