Page 4787 - Week 13 - Wednesday, 11 November 2009
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I have been on the record as saying I have had some concerns that there was a lot of politicking going on in relation to this issue. I would like to take this opportunity to put on the record my view that those issues have been addressed and that I have been very pleased with the change in the tone of this debate from when it was first raised as some sort of internal Labor Party issue about the relationship between the ACT branch of the Labor Party and the federal branch of the Labor Party and how that would play out. This debate has turned to what it should be about—that is, recognising relationships across our community. And recognising the strength of same-sex relationships, and recognising and supporting loving, caring relationships, regardless of the sexuality of those involved, is what this debate should be about. I am very pleased that that is the direction it has taken.
This is the third time, in my short period in this Assembly, that I have had the opportunity to speak in support of legislation that makes a significant difference to the lives of many Canberrans. I am frustrated on one level that we have to come back here again and debate this matter. I said, in May 2008, when the compromise civil partnerships legislation was passed, that it was just that—a compromise. It was something that caused a great deal of angst and pain for those of us who championed this reform going back over many years. I first moved a resolution in ACT Young Labor in the year 2000 to start this law reform process.
So, on one level, there is a tremendous amount of pride in what has been achieved over the course of this decade, in that so many territory laws, and now so many federal laws, have changed. I do want to acknowledge the contribution that has been made by Mr Stanhope as Attorney-General and Mr Corbell locally, and the support of the Greens party, and indeed the Democrats when they were in this place, towards that significant law reform process. It is something that I know was personally difficult for some members, but they stuck through all of the hatred and all of the insults that are thrown at progressive members of parliament who seek to make this social change.
I have said many times before in this place that good governments seek to lead on important social issues, that good governments set the agenda for their communities and that they govern as leaders, not as followers. So I am very proud to be a member of a government, and indeed very proud to be a member of a parliament, that believes that all loving and committed relationships deserve to be treated equally and to be celebrated.
I think it is a matter of considerable pride that this parliament has taken that action and continues to support loving, caring relationships. Strong relationships deliver important benefits to us all. I think we all define ourselves in some way by who we choose to share our lives with, and that love, trust, intimacy and commitment are found at the heart of all good relationships. I am very proud to live in a community that encourages, empowers and protects couples who want to make their relationships loving, who want to make them long term, stable and committed.
I am proud that this parliament today will send that signal that my relationship with Anthony is equal to any other in this city. But I am frustrated that, in November 2009, there is still a debate and we still have to compromise on achieving full legal equality.
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