NSW leads the way on de facto law reforms
Source: New South Wales. Attorney General. Media Release
"NSW has become the first jurisdiction in Australia to commence legislation which, with corresponding Commonwealth legislation, will allow separating de facto couples to have their property and maintenance matters resolved in the Federal Family Court. NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos said the NSW Act refers power to the Commonwealth to legislate for de facto partners and married couples to have equal access to Family Court services in the event their relationship breaks down.“The NSW Government has acted to ease the burden and stress faced by separating de facto couples by giving them the same access to the Family Court as a divorcing married couple,” he said."