╨╧рб▒с>■  24■   3                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                ье┴` Ё┐Wbjbj╦s╦s 7ййW      дюююююююКККК Ц г,оооооооо"$$$$$$$╧h7 ЖHюоооооHююоо]···о юоюо"·о"··юю·ов @_8МSП╞К╕·"s0г·╜ ╬"╜ ·╜ ю·(оо·оооооHHЁ ооогоооо─╞─╞юююююю     Dear Sir/Madam I am a serving member of the ADF, and whilst there have been significant changes to entitlements following the decision to recognise interdependent relationships in the military in December 2005, I am still concerned regarding the lack of change to superannuation and Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) benefits should something happen to me on an overseas deployment. I am very pleased with the fact that the military has finally recognised the partners of gay and lesbian serving members, given that we had been fighting for equality in the workplace for over 13 years. Prior to the change occurring, I certainly had been materially and financially disadvantaged in terms of postings, housing, allowances, travel, and work opportunities, let alone the effect on my relationship. The remaining barriers to be overcome are in superannuation and DVA benefits. Whilst life is better in the military as a serving member, should I die in service, then my partner will be financially disadvantaged compared to if we were in a recognised heterosexual relationship. The lack of federal recognition outside of the military is notable, particularly the current government's continued push to block any sort of federal recognition of same-sex relationships. I am continually bemused at the federal government's concern that giving recognition to same-sex couples is going to disintegrate the moral fabric of society. The implementation of changes in the military came with a minimum of fanfare and has made no appreciable difference to the people that had not experienced years of discrimination. For those of us that had been affected, we can now focus clearly on our primary role, rather than worry how financially and socially disadvantaged we were going to be by staying in the military. The same could apply for the general community, and I would hope that the outcome of this Inquiry will identify the futility of continued discrimination against gay and lesbian couples. We're not asking for new and unusual benefits, just to be treated in equality with those in heterosexual relationships. 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