Richard Colbeck (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance and Administration) Share this | Hansard source

Thanks, Senator Murray. Can I just make a couple of comments. I understand the historical perspective that Senator Murray has, and that his remarks apply more broadly than just to those in same-sex relationships. Interdependency covers a much broader range of relationships than just same-sex relationships. So I think his comments, which focused very closely on that particular sphere, perhaps need to be clarified. In fact, the government are not looking just at those in same-sex relationships; we are also looking at those in interdependency relationships—which, as I said, is a much broader issue.

I turn to Senator Murray’s comments in relation to the perspective of the minister and, of course, the government, and the information he has put into the Hansard that the government does remain committed to examining options to extend interdependency to members of Australian government schemes. The government has examined some options to further that process but, unfortunately, those options have not proved feasible. Senator Murray has already read into the Hansard an answer he received at estimates hearings which included a range of considerations that the government has been looking at in making that decision. Because the options we have canvassed at this point in time have not proved feasible, we are seeking further actuarial analysis on a much broader range of options to advance the issue of interdependency. We remain committed to doing that, as I think we are all essentially agreed.

I think it is worth clarifying that it is not just about same-sex relationships but about a much broader issue. We are looking at it in that context and we remain committed to doing so, as Senator Murray has already stated.