Government To Review Child Support Laws
In the Family Court of Australia, lesbian mothers (the non biological mother, but still the other half of the relationship) is not recognised as a legal parent in child court proceedings. However, separated lesbian mothers may soon be able to access child support with the Federal Goverment recently announcing a review of the existing Child Support laws which currently prevent access to lesbians. It is hoped that the Family Law Act will be changed as the Government plans to secure financial support for children of split lesbian couples.
A standing committee of Attorneys General will be attending a meeting later this week to discuss the issues. Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland publically urged those attending the meeting to work towards a nationally consistent approach, saying “These are complex issues which overlap between commonwealth, state and territory legislation and it’s desirable that we work carefully… on a nationally consistent approach.”
A spokesperson for Robert McClelland added further, “The Government is currently in the process of removing discrimination against Australians in same-sex relationships from a wide range of Commonwealth laws.”
NSW Attorney-General John Hatzistergos said the proposed changes would complement existing state law changes, which give equal rights to children of lesbian couples regardless of conception methods including IVF.
Your Thoughts
Hey there, you need to be logged in to get involved with SameSame, click here to login if you're already a member, or here if you need to become a new member.
natejd87
said ages ago
MelbLouie
said ages ago