"Despite the best efforts of both the Democrats and the Labor Party the Government today secured a significant win for Australian workers with the passage of the superannuation surcharge reduction and co-contribution bills," Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer, Senator Helen Coonan said today.
"The Australian Democrats lost out today in a game of 'Deal or No Deal' by attempting to hold the Government and Australian workers to ransom by obstructing important superannuation legislation.
"Reneging on the deal they had negotiated with the Government, the Democrats threw away their opportunity to reduce the burden on those who can and will save for their retirement and to give an incentive to low-income earners to provide for their future.
"At no time during the negotiations with the Democrats were same-sex amendments brought to the table, presumably because the Democrats know neither of these measures discriminate against same-sex couples.
"The co-contribution and surcharge measures in the Bills only apply to the individual. The Bills do not distinguish between eligible individuals in same-sex relationships or any other relationships.
"The co-contribution for example will be available to an eligible gay or lesbian person as it will be to an eligible married person or eligible single heterosexual person.
"The Government agreed to the compromise deal with the Democrats because we were of the view that ensuring the passage of these pieces of legislation was more important than political grandstanding.
"The Democrats let worthy legislation hang in the balance because of an irrelevant side-debate perpetuated by the Labor Party. It was a calculated risk and they lost the bet.
The Government will now match dollar for dollar an eligible superannuation contribution up to $1000 made by anyone earning less than $27,500. The superannuation surcharge will also be reduced from 15 per cent to 12.5 per cent over three years.
"It is a great pity that political differences could not be put aside for a measure such as the co-contribution which all sides of politics agree is a worthy one," Senator Coonan said.
"I thank all of the Independent Senators for their support in getting through these important pieces of legislation."