What is the difference between a de facto same-sex partnership and a legal marriage under Australian law?

In Australia, a de facto same-sex partnership is a relationship where two individuals live together in a domestic setting and present themselves as a couple, but without formal legal recognition, while a legal marriage is a recognized union under the Marriage Act 1961. Legal marriage grants couples specific rights and responsibilities, including tax benefits, inheritance rights, and access to family law protections. De facto partnerships may be recognized for certain legal purposes, such as property division and spousal support, but the rights can vary by state and territory. Overall, legal marriage offers a more comprehensive framework of legal protections compared to de facto relationships.