Question On Notice No. 1087 asked in the Legislative Council on 28 March 2018 by Hon Alison Xamon
Question Directed to the: Leader of the House representing the Attorney General
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
Question
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?
Answered on 10 April 2018
(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