The Federal Minister for Immigration Senator Vanstone, today confirmed that immigration policies which discriminate against same-sex couples will not be changed.
In recent weeks, several highly skilled medical practitioners wanting to immigrate to Australia to work in desperately understaffed hospitals, have been stymied in their applications because the Immigration Department will not recognise their same-sex partners as 'family'.
Australian Democrats' Sexuality spokesperson, Senator Brian Greig, says the archaic ruling meant that many skilled workers overseas were being discouraged by discriminatory processes that do not apply to married or de facto couples.
"The Government's refusal to recognise same-sex relationships is resulting in highly sought after doctors and mental health specialists going to New Zealand instead of Australia, because New Zealand does not discriminate," Senator Greig said.
In Question Time today, Senator Greig asked the Minister why the Government placed a higher priority on discriminating against gay and lesbian people, than it did on addressing the nation's skills shortage and health needs in regional areas.
"We now know of at least three skilled health professionals who have given up on coming to Australia, much to the dismay of hospitals in regional areas which are crying out for more staff," Senator Greig said.
"Despite every state and territory now legally recognising same-sex couples, the Commonwealth has refused to do so, resulting in a raft of discrimination that is disrupting public policy and harming communities.
Senator Greig is again calling on the Federal Government to introduce a scheme of Civil Unions for same-sex couples, in much the same way as already exists in the UK and New Zealand.
"The Government must drag itself into the 21st Century, recognise long term relationships between same-sex couples and provide legal certainly for them, and any children they may be raising," Senator Greig said.
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