John Challis (activist)

Australian LGBT activist

For other people named John Challis, see John Challis (disambiguation).

John Challis (born 1928) is an Australian LGBT activist, [1] known for his campaigns for equality in superannuation law. Challis makes media appearances as spokesman for the lobby group ComSuper Action Committee. [2] MP Warren Entsch acknowledged Challis as being one of the leading campaigners for same-sex equality in Australia. [3]

Challis worked for the ABC until 1988, before retiring.[4] He and his partner survive from the income of his Commonwealth superannuation.

"I'm 79, my partner Arthur Cheeseman is 75. We've lived together for 40 years. Now I've got a Commonwealth pension. If I had a wife or a female de facto, if I died she would get two thirds of my pension for life. If I die first, Arthur gets nothing. That's the issue,"[5] said Challis.

"While we were both still working, in order that I could put extra money into superannuation, we lived mostly on his wages. So the pension is part of his investment also. I'm worried about what will happen to my partner when I die."

As Australia's most vocal campaigner for same-sex superannuation reform, Challis said in 2007 that at age 79, he and his partner could not afford to be patient.[6] The couple are planning for the possibility that Challis may die before the legislative changes occur.[7]

## References[edit]

1. ^ "Turnbull battles for Wentworth". The 7.30 Report. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 8 November 2007. Retrieved 19 November 2007.
2. ^ "Pre-election reform 'dead in the water'". Sydney Star Observer. 27 September 2007. Archived from the original on 11 November 2007. Retrieved 19 November 2007.
3. ^ "Lobby honours supporters, volunteers". Sydney Star Observer. 8 November 2007. Archived from the original on 30 November 2007. Retrieved 19 November 2007.
4. ^ "'Let us marry before we die'". NEOS KOSMOS. 23 August 2015. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
5. ^ "Candidates line up for Wentworth". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 11 November 2007. Retrieved 19 November 2007.
6. ^ "Liberals preference Christians". Sydney Star Observer. 15 November 2007. Archived from the original on 30 November 2007. Retrieved 19 November 2007.
7. ^ "Couple's concern over super delays". Sydney Star Observer. 24 May 2007. Archived from the original on 31 August 2007. Retrieved 19 November 2007.