LEGAL AFFAIRS — SUPERANNUATION SPLITTING

1087. Hon Alison Xamon to the Leader of the House representing the Attorney General:

I refer to my question on notice of 15 August 2017 regarding superannuation splitting, and to media reporting indicating agreement has been reached with the Federal Government to address the current inequity experienced by Western Australian de facto couples, and I ask:

(a)  has an agreement been reached to address this issue;

(b)  if yes to (a), what changes will be made;

(c)  if yes to (a), when is it anticipated these changes will occur; and

(d)  if no to (a), why not?

Hon Sue Ellery replied:

(a)  Yes.

(b)  Commonwealth legislation is required to implement the reference of power provided by the WA Parliament in the Commonwealth Powers (De Facto Relationships) Act 2006 (WA).

(c)  The Government is of the view that because of the discrimination and inequity which occurs as de facto couples cannot split their superannuation the Commonwealth should enact this legislation without delay.

(d) Not applicable.

 

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