That the Senate

(a) notes:
(i) the appreciation of the Gay and Lesbian community of the recent passing of the same-sex law reforms;

(b) recognises:
(i) concerns raised by the Gay and Lesbian community that isolated and vulnerable members of the community may only become aware of these reforms after 30 March when Centrelink’s education campaign commences; and
(ii) that the arbitrary timeframe will not allow for same-sex couples to adequately adjust to the removal of discrimination before incurring debt and penalties;

(c) Calls on the Government to revisit the implementation of a 12 month transitional period, to ensure individuals currently on a social security payment, have sufficient time to readjust to the changes.Motion negatived.