Wayne is a single parent. He and his partner have three children. When they
split up, his parter took two of them and he the other. Shortly after she
began a new relationship with a new partner.
Although both Wayne and his previous partner shared the same house, in no way are they together. Though of course, they are both mummy and daddy for their children. Of course CentreLink demanded an interview to ascertain the facts. This is understandable. His previous partner's new partner prepared a statement to clarify the situation.
But the issue that more than concerns but angers Wayne was one of the questions which they wanted to ask him "When did you last have sex together." Wayne thinks this is intrusive, offensive, and should be none of the department's business. We agree! We think such obnoxious intrusive questions should have no place in the interview process. Unfortunately, according to the manual, such questions may be asked. This is immoral and wrong.
Fortunately for Wayne he had an interviewer who was understanding, and accepted his refusal to answer to answer the question. The point is others may not be so lucky. The guidelines are very vague in terms of what can be investigated to ascertain a "family type relationship". This vagueness means we are at the mercy of bureaucrats. Some are decent but others are pigs.
StandUp! has a lawyer prepared to assist any sole parent to challenge any similar questions legally. So if you are asked any offensive or intrusive questions tell us and we will support you.