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Australian Capital Territory
Civil Unions Act 2012
A2012-40
Republication No 8
Effective: 16 November 2025
Republication date: 16 November 2025
Last amendment made by A2025-29
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
About this republication
The republished law
This is a republication of the Civil Unions Act 2012 (including any amendment made under the
Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 (Editorial changes)) as in force on 16 November 2025. It also
includes any commencement, amendment, repeal or expiry affecting this republished law to
16 November 2025.
The legislation history and amendment history of the republished law are set out in endnotes 3
and 4.
Kinds of republications
The Parliamentary Counsel’s Office prepares 2 kinds of republications of ACT laws (see the ACT
legislation register at www.legislation.act.gov.au):
• authorised republications to which the Legislation Act 2001 applies
• unauthorised republications.
The status of this republication appears on the bottom of each page.
Editorial changes
The Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 authorises the Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial
amendments and other changes of a formal nature when preparing a law for republication.
Editorial changes do not change the effect of the law, but have effect as if they had been made by
an Act commencing on the republication date (see Legislation Act 2001, s 115 and s 117). The
changes are made if the Parliamentary Counsel considers they are desirable to bring the law into
line, or more closely into line, with current legislative drafting practice.
This republication includes amendments made under part 11.3 (see endnote 1).
Uncommenced provisions and amendments
If a provision of the republished law has not commenced, the symbol U appears immediately
before the provision heading. Any uncommenced amendments that affect this republished law
are accessible on the ACT legislation register (www.legislation.act.gov.au). For more
information, see the home page for this law on the register.
Modifications
If a provision of the republished law is affected by a current modification, the
symbol M appears immediately before the provision heading. The text of the modifying
provision appears in the endnotes. For the legal status of modifications, see the Legislation
Act 2001, section 95.
Penalties
At the republication date, the value of a penalty unit for an offence against this law is $160 for an
individual and $810 for a corporation (see Legislation Act 2001, s 133).
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Civil Unions Act 2012
Contents
Page
Part 1 Preliminary
1 Name of Act 2
3 Dictionary 2
4 Notes 2
5 Offences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc 3
Part 2 Civil unions
Division 2.1 General
6 Civil unions—general 4
Division 2.2 Eligibility for entering into civil union
7 Eligibility criteria 4
Division 2.3 Entering into civil union
8 Notice of intention to enter into civil union 5
9 How civil union is entered into 6
Contents
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10 When civil union has effect 7
Division 2.4 Ending civil union
11 How civil union ends 7
12 Ending civil union by parties 7
13 Order that termination notice not effective 9
14 Ending civil union by court order 10
Part 3 Civil union celebrants
15 Registration of civil union celebrants 11
16 Register of civil union celebrants 12
17 Cancellation of registration 13
Part 4 Notification and review of decisions
18 Meaning of reviewable decision—pt 4 14
19 Reviewable decision notices 14
20 Applications for review 14
Part 5 Miscellaneous
21 Void civil unions 15
22 Noncompliance with certain requirements 15
23 Evidence of identity and age 15
24 Personal service of termination and withdrawal notices 16
25 If personal service impracticable or impossible 17
26 Offences 18
27 Recognition of civil unions under corresponding laws 19
28 Determination of fees 20
29 Approved forms 20
30 Regulation-making power 20
Contents
Page
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Schedule 1 Reviewable decisions 21
Dictionary 22
Endnotes
1 About the endnotes 23
2 Abbreviation key 23
3 Legislation history 24
4 Amendment history 25
5 Earlier republications 27
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Australian Capital Territory
Civil Unions Act 2012
An Act to provide for civil unions, and for other purposes
Part 1 Preliminary
Section 1
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Part 1 Preliminary
1 Name of Act
This Act is the Civil Unions Act 2012.
3 Dictionary
The dictionary at the end of this Act is part of this Act.
Note 1 The dictionary at the end of this Act defines certain terms used in this
Act, and includes references (signpost definitions) to other terms defined
elsewhere in this Act.
For example, the signpost definition ‘reviewable decision, for part 4
(Notification and review of decisions)—see section 18.’ means that the
term ‘reviewable decision’ is defined in that section for part 4.
Note 2 A definition in the dictionary (including a signpost definition) applies to
the entire Act unless the definition, or another provision of the Act,
provides otherwise or the contrary intention otherwise appears (see
Legislation Act, s 155 and s 156 (1)).
4 Notes
A note included in this Act is explanatory and is not part of this Act.
Note See the Legislation Act, s 127 (1), (4) and (5) for the legal status of notes.
Preliminary Part 1
Section 5
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5 Offences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc
Other legislation applies in relation to offences against this Act.
Note 1 Criminal Code
The Criminal Code, ch 2 applies to all offences against this Act (see
Code, pt 2.1).
The chapter sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility
(including burdens of proof and general defences), and defines terms used
for offences to which the Code applies (eg conduct, intention,
recklessness and strict liability).
Note 2 Penalty units
The Legislation Act, s 133 deals with the meaning of offence penalties
that are expressed in penalty units.
Part 2 Civil unions
Division 2.1 General
Section 6
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Part 2 Civil unions
Division 2.1 General
6 Civil unions—general
(1) A civil union is a legally recognised relationship entered into under
this Act.
(2) A civil union is different to a marriage but is to be treated for all
purposes under territory law in the same way as a marriage.
Note 1 Marriage is defined in the Marriage Act 1961 (Cwlth), s 5 to mean the
union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily
entered into for life.
Note 2 Territory law includes the common law (see Legislation Act, dict pt 1,
def law).
Division 2.2 Eligibility for entering into civil union
7 Eligibility criteria
A person may enter into a civil union only if—
(a) the person is an adult; and
(b) the person is not—
(i) married; or
(ii) in a civil union; or
(iii) in a civil partnership with someone other than the person’s
proposed civil union partner; and
Note A civil partnership ends if the parties to the civil partnership
enter into a civil union with each other (see Domestic
Relationships Act 1994, s 37H (1) (c)).
Civil unions Part 2
Entering into civil union Division 2.3
Section 8
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(c) the person cannot marry the person’s proposed civil union
partner under the Marriage Act 1961 (Cwlth); and
(d) the person does not have any of the following relationships
(a prohibited relationship) with the person’s proposed civil
union partner:
(i) lineal ancestor;
(ii) lineal descendant;
(iii) sister;
(iv) half-sister;
(v) brother;
(vi) half-brother; and
(e) the person, or the person’s proposed civil union partner, or both
of them, live in the ACT.
Division 2.3 Entering into civil union
8 Notice of intention to enter into civil union
(1) Before 2 people enter into a civil union, they must give notice to a
civil union celebrant of their intention to enter into the civil union.
Note The notice must be given not earlier than 18 months and not later than
1 month before the civil union is entered into (see s 9 (3)).
(2) The notice must be accompanied by—
(a) a statement by each person verifying—
(i) that the person wishes to enter into a civil union with the
other person; and
(ii) that the person is not—
(A) married; or
(B) in a civil union; or
Part 2 Civil unions
Division 2.3 Entering into civil union
Section 9
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(C) in a civil partnership with someone other than the
other person; and
(iii) that the person believes the person and the other person do
not have a prohibited relationship; and
(iv) where the person lives; and
Note It is an offence to make a false or misleading statement, give false or
misleading information or produce a false or misleading document (see
Criminal Code, pt 3.4).
(b) the evidence required under section 23 of each person’s identity
and age; and
(c) anything else prescribed by regulation.
(3) As soon as practicable after receiving the notice and statements, the
civil union celebrant must give each person a written notice setting
out the nature and effect of a civil union.
9 How civil union is entered into
(1) This section applies if 2 people have, under section 8, given notice to
a civil union celebrant of their intention to enter into a civil union
with each other.
(2) The people may enter into the civil union by making a declaration
before the civil union celebrant and at least 1 other witness.
(3) The declaration must be made not earlier than 1 month, and not later
than 18 months, after the day the notice was given to the civil union
celebrant.
(4) The declaration must be made by each person to the other and must
contain a clear statement that—
(a) names both parties; and
Civil unions Part 2
Ending civil union Division 2.4
Section 10
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(b) acknowledges that they are freely entering into a civil union with
each other.
Note 1 For registration requirements see the Births, Deaths and Marriages
Registration Act 1997, pt 5A (Civil unions).
Note 2 The Discrimination Act 1991, provides for exceptions from pt 3
(Unlawful discrimination) for religious bodies doing (or failing or
refusing to do) certain acts (see that Act, s 4A and s 32).
10 When civil union has effect
A civil union entered into under this part has effect when the parties
to the civil union make a declaration under section 9.
Division 2.4 Ending civil union
11 How civil union ends
(1) A civil union ends on—
(a) the death of either party; or
(b) the marriage of either party.
(2) A civil union also ends if it is ended by—
(a) a party (or both parties) under section 12; or
(b) a court order under section 14.
12 Ending civil union by parties
(1) If a party to a civil union wishes, or both parties to a civil union wish,
to end the civil union, the party (or parties) may give the registrar-
general a written notice of intention to end the civil union (a
termination notice).
Part 2 Civil unions
Division 2.4 Ending civil union
Section 12
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(2) However, if a termination notice is given by only 1 party, the notice
is effective only if—
(a) a copy of the notice has been served personally on the other
party; and
(b) a statement declaration is given to the registrar-general with the
notice that—
(i) is made by the person who served the notice; and
(ii) verifies the notice was served personally by the person on
the other party on the date mentioned in the statement.
Note 1 For provision about service of notices, see s 24 and s 25.
Note 2 It is an offence to make a false or misleading statement, give false or
misleading information or produce a false or misleading document (see
Criminal Code, pt 3.4).
(3) A termination notice may, within 12 months after the day it was given
to the registrar-general, be withdrawn by written notice (a withdrawal
notice) given to the registrar by the party (or parties) who gave the
termination notice.
(4) However, if a withdrawal notice is given by only 1 party, the notice
is effective only if—
(a) a copy of the notice has been served personally on the other
party; and
(b) a statement is given to the registrar-general with the notice
that—
(i) is made by the person who served the notice; and
Civil unions Part 2
Ending civil union Division 2.4
Section 13
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(ii) verifies the notice was served personally by the person on
the other party on the date mentioned in the statement.
Note 1 For provision about service of notices, see s 24 and s 25.
Note 2 It is an offence to make a false or misleading statement, give false or
misleading information or produce a false or misleading document (see
Criminal Code, pt 3.4).
(5) A civil union ends 12 months after the day the termination notice is
given to the registrar-general in accordance with this section,
unless—
(a) the notice has been withdrawn under this section; or
(b) the Supreme Court makes an order under section 13 (2); or
(c) the operation of the notice is stayed under section 13 (3); or
(d) the civil union has already ended under section 11 (1).
13 Order that termination notice not effective
(1) This section applies if a party (or parties) to a civil union give the
registrar-general a termination notice.
(2) On application by a party to the civil union, the Supreme Court may
make an order that the termination notice is not effective if the court
considers that it is not the intention, or is no longer the intention, of
the party (or parties) who gave the notice to end the civil union.
(3) If an application mentioned in subsection (2) has been made but not
decided within 12 months after the day the termination notice is
given, the application stays the operation of the notice until the
application is decided.
(4) If the Supreme Court makes an order under this section, the court
must give a copy of the order to the registrar-general.
Part 2 Civil unions
Division 2.4 Ending civil union
Section 14
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14 Ending civil union by court order
(1) On application by a party to a civil union, the Supreme Court may
make an order ending the civil union if the court considers that—
(a) the civil union cannot be ended under section 12; but
(b) it is not the intention, or is not longer the intention, of both
parties to be in the civil union.
(2) If the Supreme Court makes an order under subsection (1), the court
must give a copy of the order to the registrar-general not later than
28 days after the day the order is made.
Civil union celebrants Part 3
Section 15
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Part 3 Civil union celebrants
15 Registration of civil union celebrants
(1) A person may apply, in writing, to the registrar-general to be
registered as a civil union celebrant.
(2) On application by a person under subsection (1), the registrar-general
may register the applicant as a civil union celebrant.
(3) However, the registrar-general must only register a person as a civil
union celebrant if satisfied that the applicant—
(a) is an adult; and
(b) has the knowledge and the skills or experience necessary to
exercise the functions of a civil union celebrant under this Act;
and
(c) is a suitable person to be registered as a civil union celebrant.
(4) In deciding whether a person is a suitable person to be registered as a
civil union celebrant, the registrar-general must take into account the
following:
(a) whether the person has been convicted, or found guilty, in
Australia of an offence punishable by imprisonment for 1 year
or longer;
(b) whether the person has been convicted, or found guilty, outside
Australia of an offence that, if it had been committed in the
ACT, would have been punishable by imprisonment for 1 year
or longer;
(c) whether the person has been convicted, or found guilty, of an
offence against, or otherwise contravened, this Act or the Births,
Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1997, part 5A (Civil
unions);
Part 3 Civil union celebrants
Section 16
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(d) whether the person is or has been bankrupt or personally
insolvent;
(e) whether the person has a physical or mental incapacity that may
affect the exercise of the person’s functions as a civil union
celebrant.
(5) In deciding whether a person is a suitable person to be registered as a
civil union celebrant, the registrar-general may take into account
anything else the registrar-general considers relevant.
16 Register of civil union celebrants
(1) The registrar-general must keep a register of people registered as civil
union celebrants under this Act.
(2) The register may be kept in any form, including electronically, that
the registrar-general decides.
(3) The register must include the following information for each person
registered as a civil union celebrant:
(a) the person’s full name;
(b) the person’s address and contact details;
(c) the date the person was registered;
(d) if the person’s registration is cancelled or the person otherwise
stops being registered—the date the registration stops.
(4) The register may also include any other information the
registrar-general considers appropriate.
(5) The register must be available for public inspection at reasonable
times.
(6) However, a person’s address and contact details and any other
information included in the register about the person under
subsection (4) must only be available for public inspection if the
person consents.
Civil union celebrants Part 3
Section 17
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17 Cancellation of registration
The registrar-general may cancel a person’s registration as a civil
union celebrant if the registrar-general is satisfied that the person does
not meet, or no longer meets, the registration criteria under
section 15 (3).
Part 4 Notification and review of decisions
Section 18
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Part 4 Notification and review of
decisions
18 Meaning of reviewable decision—pt 4
In this part:
reviewable decision means a decision mentioned in schedule 1,
column 3 under a provision of this Act mentioned in column 2 in
relation to the decision.
19 Reviewable decision notices
If the registrar-general makes a reviewable decision, the registrar
must give a reviewable decision notice to each entity mentioned in
schedule 1, column 4 in relation to the decision.
Note The registrar-general must also take reasonable steps to give a reviewable
decision notice to any other person whose interests are affected by the
decision (see ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008, s 67A).
20 Applications for review
The following may apply to the ACAT for review of a reviewable
decision:
(a) an entity mentioned in schedule 1, column 4 in relation to the
decision;
(b) any other person whose interests are affected by the decision.
Miscellaneous Part 5
Section 21
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Part 5 Miscellaneous
21 Void civil unions
A civil union is void if—
(a) either party did not meet the eligibility criteria under section 7
when the declaration for the civil union was made under section
9; or
(b) either party did not freely enter into the civil union because—
(i) the party’s agreement to enter into the civil union was
obtained by duress or fraud; or
(ii) the party was mistaken about the identity of the other party
or the nature of the declaration under section 9; or
(iii) the party was mentally incapable of understanding the
nature and effect of the civil union.
22 Noncompliance with certain requirements
(1) A civil union is not invalid only because a requirement of section 8
(Notice of intention to enter into civil union) was not complied with.
(2) A civil union is not invalid only because the person to whom the
parties gave notice under section 8, or before whom the parties made
the declaration under section 9, was not a civil union celebrant if
either party believed, when giving the notice or making the
declaration, that the person was a civil union celebrant.
23 Evidence of identity and age
(1) For section 8 (2) (b) (Notice of intention to enter into civil union), the
evidence of identity and age required for each person is—
(a) the person’s birth certificate; or
(b) the person’s citizenship certificate; or
Part 5 Miscellaneous
Section 24
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(c) the person’s current passport; or
(d) a statement by the person verifying—
(i) that it is impracticable to obtain a document mentioned in
paragraph (a), (b) or (c); and
(ii) to the best of the person’s knowledge and belief, and as
accurately as the person has been able to find out, when
and where the person was born.
Note It is an offence to make a false or misleading statement, give false or
misleading information or produce a false or misleading document (see
Criminal Code, pt 3.4).
(2) In this section:
birth certificate, for a person, means the person’s birth certificate, or
a certified extract about the person’s birth from the register, under the
Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1997 or a
corresponding law of a State, external territory or foreign country.
citizenship certificate, for a person, means a certificate, declaration,
notice or other instrument of a person’s nationality under the
Australian Citizenship Act 2007 (Cwlth) or the Australian Citizenship
Act 1948 (Cwlth) (repealed).
24 Personal service of termination and withdrawal notices
(1) This section applies if a termination notice or withdrawal notice must
be served personally on a party to a civil union under section 12
(Ending civil union by parties).
(2) To serve the notice personally on the party, the person serving the
notice must—
(a) give the party a copy of the notice; or
(b) if the party does not accept the copy—put the copy down in the
party’s presence and tell the party in general terms what it is; or
Miscellaneous Part 5
Section 25
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(c) if the person serving the notice is prevented from approaching
the party by violence or threat of violence—put the copy down
as near as practicable to, but in the sight of, the party.
25 If personal service impracticable or impossible
(1) This section applies if—
(a) a termination notice or withdrawal notice must be served
personally on a party to a civil union under section 12; and
(b) personal service of the notice is not practicable.
(2) The person serving the notice may apply to the Supreme Court for an
order allowing the notice to be served in another way (the alternative
way).
(3) The Supreme Court may make an order if satisfied that—
(a) it is not practicable, for any reason, for the notice to be served
personally under section 24; and
(b) the alternative way is reasonably likely to bring the notice to the
attention of the party.
(4) If the Supreme Court makes an order, the court may, in the order,
provide that the notice is taken to have been served on the happening
of a stated event, at a stated time or at the end of a stated period.
(5) The Supreme Court may make an order under subsection (3) even
though the party is not in the ACT or Australia.
(6) For section 12, if a notice is served on a party in accordance with an
order under subsection (3), the notice is taken to have been served
personally on the party.
Part 5 Miscellaneous
Section 26
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26 Offences
(1) A civil union celebrant commits an offence if—
(a) the celebrant allows a civil union, or purported civil union, to be
entered into before the celebrant; and
(b) the notice required under section 8 (including the statement and
anything else required under that section) for the civil union—
(i) has not been given to the celebrant; or
(ii) was not given to the celebrant within the period allowed by
section 9 (3).
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or
both.
(2) A civil union celebrant commits an offence if the celebrant—
(a) allows a civil union, or purported civil union, to be entered into
before the celebrant; and
(b) has reasonable grounds to believe that the civil union would be
void under section 21.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or
both.
(3) A person commits an offence if the person—
(a) is not registered as a civil union celebrant; and
(b) knows he or she is not registered as a civil union celebrant; and
(c) performs a function of a civil union celebrant under this Act.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or
both.
Miscellaneous Part 5
Section 27
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(4) A person commits an offence if—
(a) the person makes a declaration mentioned in section 9 with the
intention of entering into a civil union with someone else (the
person’s partner); and
(b) the declaration is made before a person (the celebrant) who is
not a civil union celebrant; and
(c) the person knows the celebrant is not a civil union celebrant; and
(d) the person has reasonable grounds to believe that the person’s
partner believes that the celebrant is a civil union celebrant.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or
both.
Note The Criminal Code includes offences for giving false or misleading
information etc to a person exercising a function under a territory law
(see pt 3.4 (False or misleading statements, information and documents)).
27 Recognition of civil unions under corresponding laws
(1) A corresponding law relationship is a civil union for territory law.
(2) A relationship is a corresponding law relationship if it—
(a) complies with subsection (3); or
(b) is a relationship under a law of a State, external territory or
foreign country prescribed by regulation.
(3) A relationship complies with this subsection if—
(a) either—
(i) the people in the relationship may not marry each other
under the Marriage Act 1961 (Cwlth); or
(ii) the relationship is not recognised as a valid marriage under
that Act; and
Part 5 Miscellaneous
Section 28
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(b) it is registered or formally recognised under a law of a State,
external territory or foreign country that provides for the
registration or formal recognition of a relationship that meets the
following requirements:
(i) it must be between 2 adults;
(ii) it must be entered into consensually;
(iii) it must not be entered into by people who are in a
prohibited relationship with each other;
(iv) it must not be entered into by a person who is already
married;
(v) it must not be entered into by a person who is already in a
relationship that is registered or formally recognised under
that law.
28 Determination of fees
(1) The Minister may determine fees for this Act.
(2) A determination is a disallowable instrument.
29 Approved forms
(1) The registrar-general may approve forms for this Act.
(2) If the registrar-general approves a form for a particular purpose, the
approved form must be used for that purpose.
(3) An approved form is a notifiable instrument.
30 Regulation-making power
The Executive may make regulations for this Act.
Reviewable decisions Schedule 1
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Schedule 1 Reviewable decisions
(see pt 4)
column 1
item
column 2
section
column 3
decision
column 4
entity
1 15 refuse to register person as
civil union celebrant
applicant for registration
2 17 cancel a person’s registration
as civil union celebrant
person whose registration
is cancelled
Dictionary
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Dictionary
(see s 3)
Note 1 The Legislation Act contains definitions and other provisions relevant to
this Act.
Note 2 For example, the Legislation Act, dict, pt 1, defines the following terms:
• ACAT
• adult
• bankrupt or personally insolvent
• found guilty
• Minister (see s 162)
• registrar-general.
civil union celebrant means—
(a) the registrar-general; or
(b) a person who is registered under this Act as a civil union
celebrant.
prohibited relationship—see section 7.
reviewable decision, for part 4 (Notification and review of
decisions)—see section 18.
termination notice means a notice given under section 12 (1).
withdrawal notice means a notice given under section 12 (3).
Endnotes
About the endnotes 1
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Endnotes
1 About the endnotes
Amending and modifying laws are annotated in the legislation history and the
amendment history. Current modifications are not included in the republished law
but are set out in the endnotes.
Not all editorial amendments made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 are
annotated in the amendment history. Full details of any amendments can be
obtained from the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office.
Uncommenced amending laws are not included in the republished law. The details
of these laws are underlined in the legislation history. Uncommenced expiries are
underlined in the legislation history and amendment history.
If all the provisions of the law have been renumbered, a table of renumbered
provisions gives details of previous and current numbering.
The endnotes also include a table of earlier republications.
2 Abbreviation key
A = Act NI = Notifiable instrument
AF = Approved form o = order
am = amended om = omitted/repealed
amdt = amendment ord = ordinance
AR = Assembly resolution orig = original
ch = chapter par = paragraph/subparagraph
CN = Commencement notice pres = present
def = definition prev = previous
DI = Disallowable instrument (prev...) = previously
dict = dictionary pt = part
disallowed = disallowed by the Legislative r = rule/subrule
Assembly reloc = relocated
div = division renum = renumbered
exp = expires/expired R[X] = Republication No
Gaz = gazette RI = reissue
hdg = heading s = section/subsection
IA = Interpretation Act 1967 sch = schedule
ins = inserted/added sdiv = subdivision
LA = Legislation Act 2001 SL = Subordinate law
LR = legislation register sub = substituted
LRA = Legislation (Republication) Act 1996 underlining = whole or part not commenced
mod = modified/modification or to be expired
Endnotes
3 Legislation history
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3 Legislation history
Civil Unions Act 2012 A2012-40
notified LR 4 September 2012
s 1, s 2 commenced 4 September 2012 (LA s 75 (1))
remainder commenced 11 September 2012 (s 2)
as repealed by
Marriage Equality (Same Sex) Act 2013 A2013-39 s 51
notified LR 4 November 2013
s 1, s 2 commenced 4 November 2013 (LA s 75 (1))
s 51 commenced 7 November 2013 (s 2 and CN2013-11)
repeal of no effect (see High Court decision of 12 December 2013
Commonwealth v Australian Capital Territory [2013] HCA 55)
as amended by
Statute Law Amendment Act 2015 (No 2) A2015-50 sch 3 pt 3.6
notified LR 25 November 2015
s 1, s 2 commenced 25 November 2015 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 3 pt 3.6 commenced 9 December 2015 (s 2)
Red Tape Reduction Legislation Amendment Act 2016 A2016-18
sch 3 pt 3.13
notified LR 13 April 2016
s 1, s 2 commenced 13 April 2016 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 3 pt 3.13 commenced 27 April 2016 (s 2)
Justice and Community Safety Legislation Amendment Act 2017
A2017-5 sch 1 pt 1.1
notified LR 23 February 2017
s 1, s 2 commenced 23 February 2017 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.1 commenced 2 March 2017 (s 2 (3))
Statute Law Amendment Act 2025 A2025-29 sch 3 pt 3.17, sch 4
pt 4.30
notified LR 6 November 2025
s 1, s 2 commenced 6 November 2025 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 3 pt 3.17, sch 4 pt 4.30 commenced 16 November 2025 (s 2 (1),
(9))
Endnotes
Amendment history 4
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4 Amendment history
Commencement
s 2 om LA s 89 (4)
Dictionary
s 3 am A2015-50 amdt 3.48
Eligibility criteria
s 7 am A2025-29 amdt 3.53
Notice of intention to enter into civil union
s 8 am A2016-18 amdts 3.47-3.49; A2025-29 amdt 4.30
Ending civil union by parties
s 12 am A2016-18 amdts 3.50-3.55; A2025-29 amdt 4.30
Registration of civil union celebrants
s 15 am A2025-29 amdt 4.30
Reviewable decision notices
s 19 am A2025-29 amdt 4.30
Applications for review
s 20 am A2025-29 amdt 4.30
Evidence of identity and age
s 23 am A2016-18 amdt 3.56, amdt 3.57
Offences
s 26 am A2016-18 amdt 3.58, amdt 3.59
Recognition of civil unions under corresponding laws
s 27 sub A2017-5 amdt 1.1
Determination of fees
s 28 am A2025-29 amdt 4.30
Approved forms
s 29 am A2025-29 amdt 4.30
Regulation-making power
s 30 am A2025-29 amdt 4.30
Domestic Relationships Regulation 2012—sch 2
s 31 exp 11 September 2012 (s 31 (4))
Legislation amended—sch 3
s 32 om LA s 89 (3)
Legislation repealed
s 33 om LA s 89 (3)
Transitional
pt 6 hdg exp 11 September 2013 (s 109)
Endnotes
4 Amendment history
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Definitions—pt 6
s 100 exp 11 September 2013 (s 109)
def commencement day exp 11 September 2013 (s 109)
def repealed Act exp 11 September 2013 (s 109)
Existing civil partnerships
s 101 exp 11 September 2013 (s 109)
Application for registration of civil partnership not decided before
commencement day
s 102 exp 11 September 2013 (s 109)
Declaration of civil partnership not made before commencement day
s 103 exp 11 September 2013 (s 109)
Declared civil partnership not registered before commencement day
s 104 exp 11 September 2013 (s 109)
Application for termination of civil partnership not decided before
commencement day
s 105 exp 11 September 2013 (s 109)
Applications made but not decided before commencement day
s 106 exp 11 September 2013 (s 109)
Existing civil partnership notaries
s 107 exp 11 September 2013 (s 109)
Transitional regulations
s 108 exp 11 September 2013 (s 109)
Expiry—pt 6
s 109 exp 11 September 2013 (s 109)
New Domestic Relationships Regulation 2012
sch 2 om R1 (see s 31)
Consequential amendments
sch 3 om LA s 89 (3)
Dictionary
dict am A2015-50 amdt 3.49; A2016-18 amdt 3.60
def reviewable decision am A2015-50 amdt 3.50