This parliamentary question seeks an update on the agreement between the WA and Federal Governments regarding superannuation splitting for de facto couples, highlighting existing inequities. The Attorney General confirms an agreement and urges the Commonwealth to enact necessary legislation.

AnsweredQoN 1087Legislative Council
Asked
28 March 2018
Portfolio
Attorney General

QuestionView source ↗

I
refer to my question on notice of 15 August 2017 regarding superannuation
splitting, and to media reporting indicating agreement has been reached with
the Federal Government to address the current inequity experienced by Western Australian de
facto couples, and I ask: (a) has an agreement been reached to address this issue; (b) if yes to (a), what changes will be made; (c) if yes to (a), when is it anticipated these changes will occur; and (d) if no to (a), why not?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
10 April 2018
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Attorney General
Response time
2 days
(a) Yes
(b) Commonwealth legislation is required to implement the reference of power provided by the WA Parliament in the Commonwealth Powers (De Facto Relationships) Act 2006 (WA)
(c) The Government is of the view that because of the discrimination and inequity which occurs as de facto couples cannot split their superannuation the Commonwealth should enact this legislation without delay
(d) Not applicable

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