Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has congratulated Westpac on recognising its employees’ same-sex marriages, saying that the Federal Government should follow suit.

Westpac has joined a number of companies including Telstra, the Commonwealth Bank, Qantas, IBM and Seek that recognise same-sex relationships and extend benefits and entitlements to all employees regardless of their partner’s gender.

“Congratulations to Westpac for joining the growing list of forward-thinking companies in regard to the rights of same-sex couples,” said Senator Hanson-Young.

“These companies are in tune with public opinion on same-sex relationships, and it’s time for the Federal Government to catch up.

“While the Government did follow through with its election commitment to remove discrimination from many pieces of federal legislation last year, there was the glaring omission of legalising same-sex marriage.

“Until marriage is legally recognised for all, by all in this country, true equality has not yet been achieved.

“The Greens will continue to push in the Federal Parliament for same-sex couples to share the right to marry."