MP Superannuation Reform must include gay couples

Proposed changes to Federal MP superannuation reform schemes must also include removing the current discrimination against gay and lesbian members of Parliament, according to the Democrats. Democrats' spokesperson for Justice Senator Brian Greig, says the Federal Parliamentary Superannuation Act continues to breach international human rights treaties by refusing to recognise same-sex partners for death benefits.

"If Mr Howard is serious about ensuring the super scheme for Federal MP's is brought into line with most other schemes, he must also remove the cruel and unnecessary discrimination against gay and lesbian superannuants in Commonwealth legislation," Senator Greig said.

"If a married MP or one in a heterosexual de facto relationship dies in office their surviving partner has automatic access to the superannuation contribution of the deceased and is awarded a death benefit from the Commonwealth.

"By contrast, a surviving partner in a same-sex relationship is not guaranteed access to the superannuation contribution of their partner and is specifically denied the right to receive a death benefit - which for Federal MP's is hundreds of thousands of dollars," Senator Greig said.

Senator Greig says the Commonwealth is being left behind most State and Territory super schemes and is currently out of step with all private superannuation schemes through its refusal to allow a Commonwealth superannuant to readily bequeath their own money to a same-sex partner.

"Most States have removed or plan to remove this discrimination. The Federal Parliament is lagging behind with this reform, adversely effecting not only gay and lesbian MP's but also thousands of gay and lesbian workers in the Commonwealth Public Service and the Defence Forces. This Federal discrimination also prevents private super schemes from issuing a death benefit to a surviving same-sex partner," Senator Greig said.

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission has previously criticised this Commonwealth discrimination, saying it breaches international human rights and industrial relations treaties, and have called for the definition of 'partner' in the Commonwealth's Superannuation Act to be amended to recognise same-sex relationships.

"At a recent Senate inquiry into superannuation discrimination again gay and lesbian people, every superannuation company which appeared before the committee argued in favour of ending this discrimination but the Government has failed to act," Senator Greig said.

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MP Superannuation Reform