Australia shows movement on civil unions

During the Australian election campaign a lot was made that there was no difference between the Labor Party and the National/Liberal coalition.

What is becoming clearer is there is a fundamental shift occurring on the social and environmental issues and a new direction for Australia.

The decision to proceed with ratifying Kyoto is the most visible sign of this.

For the gay and lesbian population the signs are encouraging that same sex relationships will no longer be discriminated against.

It is also appearing that changes at the state level will bring about some form of civil union legislation.

The ACT plans for civil unions have now been revived with the exit of the conservative Howard Government in Australia which blocked the legislation last time.

In addition Victoria has announced plans to introduce a register to allow same sex relationships to be recognised.

The Federal government has indicated it will not support gay marriage, but has said it will remove discrimination against same sex couples in areas such as superannuation, taxation and other areas.

All these are positive signs.

There is still a long way to go before Australia catches up with New Zealand but it is heading in the right direction.

Penny Wong now a Minister

The changes keep coming in Australia with Senator Penny Wong been appointed to the Australian cabinet and becomes Australia's first openly lesbian federal Minister.

She has been appointed as Minister for Climate Change and Water.

While the lead up to the election there didn't seem much difference between the Liberal/National coalition and Labor, Kevin Rudd's announcement of the new cabinet and this appointment highlights the real change that has occurred with the defeat of the conservative Howard government.

Bye Bye Howard

The Liberal/National coalition lost the election yesterday and looks likely that John Howard also lost his seat.

Howard's claim to fame was that the economic boom but the real reason for the boom is the Chinese economy and the consequent mineral boom.

Howard rejected gay marriage and all attempts to provide equal rights for same sex couples. Labor under Rudd will be an improvement and probably more in line with the National Party in New Zealand.

Other changes are the Greens look like they will hold the balance of power in the Senate.

Hopefully the change in government will finally get some improvement in the treatment of same sex couples in Australian law and maybe open the way for some form of Civil Union at least at a state level.