Page 5741 - Week 15 - Thursday, 10 December 2009
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
Having said that, I turn to the future. I think we can be very proud of this Assembly. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Rattenbury and each and every member of the parliamentary Greens party for their support for this legislative reform through this process and also over the last six or seven years. The Greens have voted with the Labor Party on these matters consistently, and I would like to acknowledge that, irrespective of whether we have been in a majority government situation or in a minority and have needed their support. I also acknowledge the support of the Australian Democrats when they were represented in this chamber through Ros Dundas.
As we look forward, I still think there is a possibility for further reform in this area and I do look to Tasmania. Who knows? After their election next year there may be a similar governing arrangement to that here in the ACT. I am sure my Tasmanian colleagues perhaps are not looking forward to that. Given the history in that jurisdiction, it has perhaps been a little more confrontational than we have seen here in the ACT. Nonetheless, it does present an opportunity for progressive parties in Tasmanian politics to look at the issue in the context of their jurisdiction.
There is no doubt that having an original state legislate something in advance of what we have in the ACT would provide that constitutional protection for the territory to be able to move forward again in this area. As Mr Rattenbury said, there may be the possibility in the ACT to revisit this matter at some point in the future. But for now, I think we should celebrate what has been achieved. I certainly wish all couples who will take advantage of this important, progressive piece of legislation all the very best for their commitment ceremonies.
It is a really wonderful thing. Just in the context of the experience for Anthony and me, what did make it that little bit sweeter was the struggle that was involved in getting there in the first place. But even being able to have a civil partnership, whether it was by way of registry or by way of a formal celebration with a celebrant, was a significant achievement that only three places in this country enable or allow to occur.
As I say, I think we ought to take a deep breath and be very proud about what has been achieved in the ACT and let us look forward to this jurisdiction continuing to be a leader in progressive law reform and to show the rest of the nation that the world does not end. Heterosexual marriage continues. Extending that right to same-sex couples in loving, committed relationships in fact enhances relationships in our society. It does not detract from them. I think in the end that demonstrated experience in the ACT will be there for the rest of Australia to see.
What I would call for today is for Labor governments elsewhere in this country to at least move to the position that the ACT has adopted, if not further. Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.
MR STANHOPE (Ginninderra—Chief Minister, Minister for Transport, Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Minister for Business and Economic Development, Minister for Land and Property Services, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs and Minister for the Arts and Heritage) (5.18): I want to speak only briefly or shortly on this particular bill, this issue, today—as much as anything to
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video