Explanatory note

This note is not part of the regulations, but is intended to indicate their general effect.

These regulations, which come into force on 16 August 2013, amend the Civil Union (Prescribed Information, Fees, and Forms) Regulations 2005 to replace certain forms relating to civil unions. The replacement forms allow for both parents of a party to a civil union to be recorded on the forms as “mother” or “father”. This amendment reflects the fact that, when the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act 2013 comes into force, same-sex marriages will be possible. Since married couples are eligible to adopt, these forms should provide for the possibility that a person entering into a civil union will have 2 mothers or 2 fathers.

The replacement forms also provide for the female partner of a woman who gives birth following an assisted human reproduction procedure to be recorded as an “other parent”.