Celebrants have a legal requirement to advise a marrying couple of details of “information and services available to them to enhance, and sustain them throughout, their relationship.” (Marriage Regulations 1963 – Regulation 37L 6b).
A Government initiative to help strengthen relationships, and reduce the divorce rate, was the Stronger Relationships trial. In summary, the Trial:
- commenced on 1 July 2014 for a trial period of 12 months;
- offered a $200.00 subsidy for relationship education and counselling to eligible couples; and
- was open to all couples who were over the age of 18 years and in a committed relationship.
A media release issued on 1 February 2015 by the Minister for Social Services, the Hon. Scott Morrison, advises that due to the trial being undersubscribed, the trial will end on Monday 9 February 2015.
What does this mean for marrying couples?
If you haven’t already signed up for this Trial, and want to participate, you must register before Monday 9 February 2015. You can do this at: www.dss.gov.au/strongerrelationships.
If you have signed up for the Trial, you have until June 2015 to use the services offered.
You can read the media release here at: http://scottmorrison.dss.gov.au/media-releases/extra-17-million-for-frontline-social-services-as-stronger-relationships-trial-ends
