Australian government offers pension benefit to partners

The Australian government has announced that it will change the rules for tax-free social security benefits so that gay couples get the same payout as married spouses. The treasury department says the new regulation for the government pension system--called "superannuation"--will allow tax-free death benefits for gay couples, elderly siblings living together, and adult children caring for elderly parents. That's the same system that now applies to married couples and to those with children. Australian wire services report that under the new rules the government will deem a relationship "interdependent" after considering whether it is sexual in nature, involves emotional support, and includes ownership or use of joint property. (Sirius OutQ News)