Insurer Report

 The definition of a member of the family of a deceased worker will be expanded to include a person in a registered civil partnership. What does this mean? Here are the fast facts:

 

• The Civil Partnerships Act 2011 has recently been passed through Parliament.  It will come into operation once ascent is given by the Governor in Council. 
• Section 28 of the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 defines 'member of the family' of the deceased worker to include the worker's spouse.  Section 29 further defines 'spouse' to include the worker's de facto partner within the meaning of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954, s32DA.
• Section 40 of the Civil Partnerships Act 2011 amends the definition of 'spouse in s36 of the Acts Interpretation Act to include 'civil partner'.
• The explanatory notes to the Civil Partnerships Bill 2011 provides that two adults who are in a relationship as a couple, regardless of their sex, and who meet the eligibility criteria, may enter into a civil partnership by having their relationship registered or by making a declaration of civil partnership and having their relationship registered.

 

Want to know more? You can find the full explanatory notes on the Qld Government's legislation website.