The Australian Government has introduced changes to removediscrimination against same-sex couples and their children fromCommonwealth law. Important: Theinformation contained on this page does not replace legal advice. Forspecific information relating to these changes, please refer to theNotices of Legislation Change. See: All Notices of Legislation Changes
Why are changes being made? Thiswill result in same sex-couples receiving the same treatment asopposite-sex de facto couples, both as partners and parents.
TheDepartment of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), already recognisessame-sex relationships within its migration and citizenship programs insome circumstances. These changes will increase the range of visas andcitizenship provisions available to same-sex couples.
When will changes take effect? Changes to migration and citizenship legislation will take effect from two key dates. From 15 March 2009
Amendments to the following Acts will commence:
Immigration (Guardianship of Children) Act 1946 (IGOC Act)
Australian Citizenship Act 2007 (Citizenship Act).
From 1 July 2009
Amendments to the following Acts and Regulations will commence: