The Rudd government has fast-tracked its first so-called gay law reform bill as the federal budget reveals a $66 million saving by removing discrimination for same-sex couples in law.

The first of the federal same-sex equality reforms deemed urgent, such as Commonwealth superannuation, will be introduced to Parliament on Wednesday, May 28. Early briefings to MPs last week suggested that all the remaining reforms would be introduced in a single round of legislation next year.
Last week’s federal Budget revealed removing discrimination against same-sex couples will save the Rudd Government $66 million over four years.  The 2008/09 Federal Budget papers revealed claims made by the previous Howard government of huge costs to the public purse were wrong.
The discrepancy between the equality savings announced in the budget and the billion dollar costs predicted by the Howard Government was a result of the budget's four-year outlook, the Attorney General's office told MPs.
The cost of Commonwealth superannuation pensions for surviving same-sex partners is not expected to have an effect in the next four years, compared to the long-term projection.
The budget figures were based on the number of self-declared same-sex couples in the 2006 Census, which are significantly lower than British figures used by the previous government.
Former ABC employee and Commonwealth superannuant John Challis, 79, welcomed the news that the death benefit equality would be implemented first.
"So all I have to do is to stay alive until July 1 and my partner Arthur will be provided for, what a great relief. The end of a long campaign of lobbying is in sight," Challis said.
Cabinet minister and Grayndler MP Anthony Albanese said the final list of laws in the second round of reforms was not fixed at 100.
"As we go through the drafting process more will found," he said.
Labor MPs will see the legislation for the first time on Monday as caucus votes to approve the new de facto definition including same-sex couples living in a domestic relationship.
It is understood the Rudd Government has been reconsidering its stance against an interdependency model, which would include non-conjugal couples, and this has caused delays in drafting some of the legislation.
But the first round of reforms will not include interdependent couples. The Coalition supported the interdependency model before the 2007 election and has yet to decide if it will support the reforms or allow a conscience vote.
According to budget papers, the reforms will initially cost the Commonwealth $34.5 million to implement by July 1, 2009 but equality in social security payments will save money in the longer term. Equality in superannuation and taxation of death benefit payments will be effective from 1 July 2008, Medicare and PBS Safety Nets by 1 January 2009, and Fringe Benefits Tax by 1 April 2009.
Many same-sex couples will no longer be eligible for the same level of unemployment, single parent and Family Assistance payments. By 2012 the budget estimates those savings will be as high as $62.6 million per year.
Those savings will be offset by benefits to same-sex couples in areas such as veterans’ pensions, Medicare and PBS safety nets, superannuation and tax, which will cost the Government just $15.9 million per year by 2012.
Greens Senator Kerry Nettle plans to introduce an amendment recognising same-sex marriage when the first bills reach the Senate in June.

by HARLEY DENNETT

Sydney Star Observer, www.ssonet.com.au