Invest
The year that was: same-sex marriage
As 2017 draws to its end, Nest Egg looks back on the stories, the moments and the economic and cultural discussions that epitomised this year. Today, we look at the same-sex marriage conversation.
The year that was: same-sex marriage
As 2017 draws to its end, Nest Egg looks back on the stories, the moments and the economic and cultural discussions that epitomised this year. Today, we look at the same-sex marriage conversation.
The legalisation of same-sex marriage in December may not have rated in international or even local markets, but for the people behind the funds, the historic postal vote and government decision was a big deal.
ANZ senior economist Cherelle Murphy in September predicted that legalised same-sex marriage could inject $650 million into the economy, more than five times the cost of the postal vote.
In October, Rice Warner flagged potentially misleading superannuation calculators. The financial consultant slammed superannuation calculators that are unable to produce retirement forecasts for same-sex couples, saying the gap in life expectancy between men and women is “reason alone” to consider more inclusive calculators.
Rice Warner also called out the Australian Securities & Investments Commission for providing a retirement calculator that, while catering for couples, does not require the gender of either person and as such “is not accurate”.
“Interestingly, some of the funds that do provide inclusive tools come from the faith-based sector which might prefer to stick to the traditional definition of marriage, whereas some of the funds that did not allow for same sex couples are amongst the largest industry funds with the broadest membership,” Rice Warner observed.
Following the postal vote, St George Bank said LGBTQI Australians still face an “uneven” playing field when it comes to finances.
Referring to the St George research into LGBTQI financial wellbeing, general manager of St George Bank Ross Miller said: “I’m concerned that, at its heart, the report identifies a strong perception among Australians that there’s an uneven playing field when it comes to financial fairness and wellbeing for LGBTQI Australians.”
Then, upon the passing of the legislation, Australian Unity Trustees said Australian same-sex couples considering a trip down the aisle should also think about how marriage could alter their legal situations.
Australian Unity Trustees’ national estate planning manager, Anna Hacker said: “Marriage generally revokes any previous will automatically, so those entering into marriage should consider updating their wills to make sure they take into account the marriage.”
Continuing, she said that anyone in a de facto relationship should have an appropriate will and estate plan which features a Power of Attorney.
Regardless of outlooks on same-sex marriage, the new year will be one rung in with wedding bells and, in the words of Bob Katter; let there be a thousand blossoms bloom.
RELATED ARTICLES
Property
Multigenerational living is moving mainstream: how agents, developers and lenders can monetise the shift
Australia’s quiet housing revolution is no longer a niche lifestyle choice; it’s a structural shift in demand that will reward property businesses prepared to redesign product, pricing and ...Read more
Property
Prestige property, precision choice: a case study in selecting the right agent when millions are at stake
In Australia’s top-tier housing market, the wrong agent choice can quietly erase six figures from a sale. Privacy protocols, discreet buyer networks and data-savvy marketing have become the new ...Read more
Property
From ‘ugly’ to alpha: Turning outdated Australian homes into high‑yield assets
In a tight listings market, outdated properties aren’t dead weight—they’re mispriced optionality. Agencies and vendors that industrialise light‑touch refurbishment, behavioural marketing and ...Read more
Property
The 2026 Investor Playbook: Rental Tailwinds, City Divergence and the Tech-Led Operations Advantage
Rental income looks set to do the heavy lifting for investors in 2026, but not every capital city will move in lockstep. Industry veteran John McGrath tips a stronger rental year and a Melbourne ...Read more
Property
Prestige property, precision choice: Data, discretion and regulation now decide million‑dollar outcomes
In Australia’s prestige housing market, the selling agent is no longer a mere intermediary but a strategic supplier whose choices can shift outcomes by seven figures. The differentiators are no longer ...Read more
Property
The new battleground in housing: how first-home buyer policy is reshaping Australia’s entry-level market
Government-backed guarantees and stamp duty concessions have pushed fresh demand into the bottom of Australia’s price ladder, lifting values and compressing selling times in entry-level segmentsRead more
Property
Property 2026: Why measured moves will beat the market
In 2026, Australian property success will be won by investors who privilege resilience over velocity. The market is fragmenting by suburb and asset type, financing conditions remain tight, and ...Read more
Property
Entry-level property is winning: How first home buyer programs are reshaping demand, pricing power and strategy
Lower-priced homes are appreciating faster as government support channels demand into the entry tier. For developers, lenders and marketers, this is not a blip—it’s a structural reweighting of demand ...Read more
Property
Multigenerational living is moving mainstream: how agents, developers and lenders can monetise the shift
Australia’s quiet housing revolution is no longer a niche lifestyle choice; it’s a structural shift in demand that will reward property businesses prepared to redesign product, pricing and ...Read more
Property
Prestige property, precision choice: a case study in selecting the right agent when millions are at stake
In Australia’s top-tier housing market, the wrong agent choice can quietly erase six figures from a sale. Privacy protocols, discreet buyer networks and data-savvy marketing have become the new ...Read more
Property
From ‘ugly’ to alpha: Turning outdated Australian homes into high‑yield assets
In a tight listings market, outdated properties aren’t dead weight—they’re mispriced optionality. Agencies and vendors that industrialise light‑touch refurbishment, behavioural marketing and ...Read more
Property
The 2026 Investor Playbook: Rental Tailwinds, City Divergence and the Tech-Led Operations Advantage
Rental income looks set to do the heavy lifting for investors in 2026, but not every capital city will move in lockstep. Industry veteran John McGrath tips a stronger rental year and a Melbourne ...Read more
Property
Prestige property, precision choice: Data, discretion and regulation now decide million‑dollar outcomes
In Australia’s prestige housing market, the selling agent is no longer a mere intermediary but a strategic supplier whose choices can shift outcomes by seven figures. The differentiators are no longer ...Read more
Property
The new battleground in housing: how first-home buyer policy is reshaping Australia’s entry-level market
Government-backed guarantees and stamp duty concessions have pushed fresh demand into the bottom of Australia’s price ladder, lifting values and compressing selling times in entry-level segmentsRead more
Property
Property 2026: Why measured moves will beat the market
In 2026, Australian property success will be won by investors who privilege resilience over velocity. The market is fragmenting by suburb and asset type, financing conditions remain tight, and ...Read more
Property
Entry-level property is winning: How first home buyer programs are reshaping demand, pricing power and strategy
Lower-priced homes are appreciating faster as government support channels demand into the entry tier. For developers, lenders and marketers, this is not a blip—it’s a structural reweighting of demand ...Read more
