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 Corey Irlam
ACE spokesperson Corey Irlam attended the Federal Community Cabinet in Corio, Victoria, on Sunday, December 7 and explained the stress some older same sex couples are under. He called for action to avert "a financial and health crisis".
"Some same-sex partners fear losing benefits now their relationships are recognised, while others are anxious about Centrelink prying into personal relationships which have been kept secret for many decades," Irlam said.
"This is causing financial and emotional stress that is severely affecting the health of some same-sex partners.”
Changes to social security laws usually have “grandfathering clauses” attached to them, which allow people to adjust to their new situation. The same-sex reforms have no such clauses attached.
Irlam told blaze Prime Minister Kevin Rudd responded to the suggestions favourably.
"We were pleased to see the Prime Minister genuinely open to the idea of funding an independent advocate for people affected by these reforms,” Irlam said.
Irlam then met with Human Services Minister Joe Ludwig briefly following the community cabinet.
“Minister Ludwig was very responsive, particularly to the needs of elderly gay men and lesbians,” Irlam said.
ACE will meet with representatives of Minister Ludwig in the coming weeks.
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