Helen Coonan (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Murray and Senator Sherry. I appreciate the purport of the comments that you have placed on record, but my advice is that the amendment is not necessary because, as I have said, the law already defines who is a spouse—de facto or otherwise—and whether that includes same-sex partners is a matter of interpretation of the existing law. My advice is that the government simply does not see the need for, nor does it agree with having, for this purpose anyway, a meaning for spouse just for this measure that is different from its meaning that is pretty clearly defined elsewhere in the law. While I do appreciate the purport of your contribution, Senator Murray, that is my advice and I think that is correct. From previous occasions when I have looked at it, I believe it would be covered and there is no ambiguity.