Rights of De facto couples reinforced
Source: Queensland. Attorney General. Media Release
“State Parliament has today passed amendments to the Property Law Act 1974 which will allow de facto couples full access to the Family law courts. Attorney-General Cameron Dick said the amendments mark a successful conclusion to a long campaign for recognition of the rights of de facto couples and their children in modern Australia.
“Prior to 1 March 2009, de facto couples who separated had to access two different jurisdictions to resolve disputes,” Mr Dick said. “Property issues were dealt with in our state courts while matters concerning children were dealt with in the federal Family law courts. “The jurisdictional divide placed further pressure on people already in stressful situations by adding cost, confusion and delay to the emotional trauma of separation."
Mr Dick said the amendments provided further clarity to de facto couples and was the final stage of legislative changes that granted de facto couples the same rights as married couples. “