“partner, in the phrase ‘spouse or partner’ and in related contexts, has the meaning set out in section 18A(1) to (3); and, in relation to a deceased claimant, has the meaning set out in section 18A(4) to (6)”.

• “(1) Spouse means a person (person A) to whom the claimant is legally married.”

• “(4) Spouse, in relation to a deceased claimant, means a person (person B) to whom the deceased claimant was legally married immediately before his or her death.”

“18A Partner (and partner in relation to deceased claimant)

• “(1) Partner means a person (person A) with whom the claimant is in a civil union or a de facto relationship.

  “(2) However, person A is not the partner of a claimant if—

  • “(a) person A and the claimant are living apart; and

  • “(b) the claimant is not contributing financially to person A's welfare.

  “(3) Subsection (2) does not apply if the circumstances set out in the subsection occurred principally because of the health, imprisonment, or employment obligations of either person A or the claimant.

  “(4) Partner, in relation to a deceased claimant, means a person (person B)—

  • “(a) with whom the deceased claimant was in a civil union immediately before his or her death; or

  • “(b) with whom the deceased claimant was in a de facto relationship immediately before his or her death.

  “(5) However, person B is not the partner of a deceased claimant if, at the time of the deceased claimant's death,—

  • “(a) person B and the deceased claimant were living apart; and

  • “(b) the deceased claimant was not contributing financially to person B's welfare.

  “(6) Subsection (5) does not apply if the circumstances set out in the subsection occurred principally because of the health, imprisonment, or employment obligations of either person B or the deceased claimant.”

• “(a) because the spouse or partner marries, enters into a civil union, or enters into a de facto relationship; or.”