Labor and Democrats refused to accept the Bill without gays being included in the definition. The Bill became deadlocked. A committee was formed to resolve the differences. After confidential discussions the committee announced that the Bill would be passed but without the gay relationships being recognised. These provisions do not include same-sex partners.
Few schemes recognise same-sex partners.
Many employers provide benefits such as payment of relocation expenses but in most companies, these apply only to heterosexual partners. Both Federal and State compensation law's allow for compensation to dependents if someone dies as a result of a work-related injury. Both use definitions of husband, wife, family etc which exclude same-sex Partners. Acts covering the adoption of children generally provide for 'stranger' adoption by married couples, and in some special needs cases by heterosexual de facto couples and individuals. These acts do not recognise same-sex relationships.