Centrelink strives for equality

By Andie Noonan

Centrelink has sought to dispel fears of a special mode of detection for same-sex couple welfare fraud, saying compliance will be approached in the same way as opposite-sex couples.

After changes to legislation last year Centrelink says it has simply pulled its policy in line with opposite-sex couples, meaning anyone in a same-sex de facto relationship will now be recognised as partnered.

Centrelink said it was a myth the welfare agency would be tracking down same-sex couples any differently from opposite-sex couples after the July 1 deadline.

“Following 1 July 2009, the same means of detecting and preventing welfare fraud will extend to all customers living as a couple, including same-sex couples,” Centrelink general manager Hank Jongen told Melbourne's Southern Star.

“This is currently done using a number of methods, including data-matching. There is no special program that will apply to same-sex couples.”

Centrelink data matching includes cross-checking information lodged at other government agencies, such as the Australian Tax Office, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and the Australian Government Services Fraud Tip-off Line.

Centrelink says it will initially rely on the community to come forward to disclose their sexuality.

After the success of Queensland Association for Healthy Communitie's (QAHC) recent information forum in Brisbane, a date has been set for Cairns residence to learn more about how the changes will affect them. The information evening will be held Thursday 26 March from 6:30 pm to 8pm. 290 Draper St, Cairns. RSVP 4041 5451.

Centrelink has also set up an information hotline. To enquire about how you may be affected, please call 13 26 80