Federal Government

BIZARRE LOVE TRIANGLE: Rudd waves a red rag to the First Wives’ Club

The Rudd Government will need to be very careful as it aims to give de facto partners access to the Family Court in the same way as married couples.

Politically very risky possibilities that could cost the Rudd government plenty:
■ Wives whose husbands play up on them who then face a claim from the husband’s mistress over the family home or other assets; and/or
■ Polygamy being legally recognised in any way.

While there may be a range of complex issues associated with this debate, for it to become anything other than the most deadly political toxin, a very clear first-in first-served approach needs to be reflected in the law.

Opposition Senators including Mitch Fifield have flagged their intention to remove recognition for unmarried partners who have more than one partner. Hopefully their amendment will succeed.

Otherwise the First Wives’ Club of Australia will wreak an unholy revenge upon Rudd. A lynching may not be completely ruled out.

Certainly the Attorney-General will need to do a lot better than stonewalling the issue.

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