Australian de facto couples who split to be treated as divorced

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Australia's Senate passed a bill Oct. 1 6 to treat unmarried couples who break up the same as married couples who divorce.

The measure, which was returned to the lower house for approval of Senate amendments, will create a uniform national standard for separating de facto couples, gay and straight, sending them to federal familylaw courts to work out property settlements, pension splits and other issues.

Attorney-General Robert McClelland said the changes are "long overdue."