Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I held this up so I could combine the two statements in the interests of both making the government’s position plain and not asking for four minutes to speak on notice of motion No. 674 and No. 675. The government’s position is that it is our view that it is not appropriate to single out one particular civil partnership. Since the laws were enacted last year in the Australian Capital Territory, there have been a number of couples who have had their relationships officially recognised as civil partnerships. There are also couples in Victoria and Tasmania who are able to access relationship recognition schemes. The Rudd government supports the development of relationship recognition schemes, which provide for couples which have a mutual commitment to a shared life to have their relationship officially recognised.

In respect of general business notice of motion No. 675, as indicated, the government does not support the motion. Any changes to self-government in the ACT must be based on broad consultation and consensus across the community. The constitutional implications for any change to self-government arrangements would need to be carefully considered by the Commonwealth. Any changes must strike the right balance between the Commonwealth’s direct interests in the territory as the national capital and home to Australia’s democratic institutions and the territory’s legislative powers. Any change must also strike the right balance between local sovereignty and Australia’s nationhood.