According to Section 5E(2) of the VEA a person is a member of a couple, if they are:

• legally married to another person and is not living separately and apart from the other person on a permanent basis; or
• living in a prescribed registered relationship with the other person (whether of the same sex or a different sex) and is not living separately and apart from that other person on a permanent basis; or
• all of the following conditions are met:

• living with another person, whether of the same sex or a different sex;
• not legally married to that person;
• in a de facto relationship with that person; and
• not in a prohibited relationship

The term “partnered” is also commonly used.