Robert McClelland (Barton, Australian Labor Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That the requested amendments be made.

I am pleased to indicate that I am moving that these amendments requested by the Senate for consideration by the House be made. This is in fact landmark legislation which will have important implications for de facto relationships across Australia. The passage of the Family Law Amendment (De Facto Financial Matters and Other Measures) Bill 2008 through parliament will mean that for the first time there will be a uniform federal system applying to opposite-sex and same-sex de facto couples when their relationships break down. The bill will end the current arrangements, which place a huge administrative and financial burden on separating de facto couples. The bill was long overdue. The Rudd government has acted swiftly to provide a simpler, less costly and fairer regime for de facto couples and their children across Australia.

Question agreed to.

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