De facto couples bill passed by Senate

(AAP) De facto couples, including same sex couples, whose relationship has broken down will be treated in the same way as divorcing couples under legislation passed by the Senate.

The government's legislation will bring all family law issues faced by separating de
facto couples under the federal family law courts.
De facto couples currently have very different rights in different states and
territories. This legislation will provide a national and uniform system.
De facto couples will be able to obtain property settlements, split their
superannuation interests and make financial agreements, all recognised and
enforceable by the federal family law courts.
The government says the reforms will provide greater protection for separating de
facto couples and simplify the laws governing them.
The government made a series of technical amendments to the bill, meaning it must
now return to the lower house for approval before a final Senate vote.
Coalition amendments to the bill failed.
Attorney-General Robert McClelland welcomed the bill's passage.
"These reforms are long overdue," he said.
"They will end current arrangements which place a huge administrative and financial
burden on separating de facto couples."
The government had acted swiftly to provide a simpler, less costly and fairer regime
for de facto couples across Australia, honouring its election commitment, he said.