SUPER LOSS FOR GAY COUPLES

Gay couples have been deprived of the superannuation rights enjoyed by others after the government has approved new benefits for both very low and very high-income earners, effectively abolishing the same-sex reforms.

An estimated 4.6 million low-paid workers, who earn $27,500 a year or less,

Workers earning more than $96,500 a year have won a reduction in the 15% surcharge they pay on contributions, which will be cut to 12.5% over three years.

The benefits have come at the expense of gay couples, as the package does not include amendments to give rights to same-sex couples. Married and de facto couples already have automatic rights for one partner to access the other's superannuation without paying extra tax if one partner dies.

Source: The Australian 28 October, 2003