Same sex policy changed

ADF members in recognised same sex relationships will benefit from the same range of conditions of service as military personnel in recognised de facto relationships following a change in ADF policy.

The change, which brings recognition of interdependent same sex partners into line with public service employees in Defence and other government agencies, reflects Defence’s commitment to a fair, inclusive and equitable workplace, according to Sue Parr, Director General Personnel Policy and Employment Conditions.

Ms Parr said benefits now available to recognised same sex couples included Defence housing assistance, removals on posting, leave travel and location allowances when posted to remote localities, reunion travel when separated and education assistance.

To be recognised for conditions of service purposes, a relationship between an ADF member and another person of the same sex needs to meet a number of conditions. The couple must have a close personal relationship, one or each of them must be responsible for providing the other with financial support, and one or each of them must be responsible for providing the other with domestic support and personal care.

ADF members with same sex partners may apply to have their relationship recognised on the basis of this interdependency.
Ms Parr said homosexual ADF members had been widely accepted by the Defence community since the 1992 abolition of policy prohibiting homosexuals serving in the military.

“Defence has been in consultation with the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commissioner for some time with a view to amending its policies regarding the recognition of same sex relationships on the basis of interdependency,” she said.

GETTING RECOGNITION

ADF members with same sex partners may apply to have their relationship recognised on the basis of this interdependency, from the date the changes are implemented on December 1, 2005.

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