Vote could go postal

Local MP slams gay marriage plebiscite as delaying tactic

MARRIAGE equality could be legislated this year, despite the Government resolving to resubmit its plebiscite Bill to a likely lost vote in the parliament.

Liberal members attending a special meeting in Canberra yesterday stood by the policy taken to the 2016 election for a national vote on changing marriage laws.

However, if the Bill fails a second time — which appears likely unless the Nick Xenophon Team changes its position — a postal ballot would be conducted.

Details were sketchy yesterday as to the format and legal basis for the postal vote, but it is understood the Government has advice a postal vote is legal.

Senior government members have been talking down the prospects of a private member’s Bill, arguing the Coalition promised no change would be made without Australians having their say.

The Labor caucus was briefed on WA Liberal senator Dean Smith’s private Bill, agreeing it represented an “acceptable compromise” and was in line with a Senate inquiry’s findings.

Labor MPs would get a conscience vote on it if the Bill came to parliament, which is still possible if the postal ballot goes ahead and achieves a majority “yes” vote.

Corio MP Richard Marles said he intended to raise the matter in parliament at the first opportunity, calling on his fellow representatives across the aisle to “do the right thing”.

“I’m not Robinson Crusoe on this,” Mr Marles said.

“It’s what the vast majority of Australians want — it’s certainly what people in my constituency want.”

He raised the precedent set by John Howard who, as Prime Minister in 2004, pushed forward a parliamentary vote to redefine the Marriage Act as “the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others”, effectively banning same-sex marriage from being recognised.

“John Howard could make the current law on marriage with a simple vote in the parliament — we can make marriage equal just the same way,” Mr Marles said.

He said those pushing the plebiscite option were using it as a delaying tactic.

“The simple truth is that no one advocating a plebiscite on this issue wants this change to happen,” he said.

Corangamite Liberal MP Sarah Henderson has repeatedly expressed her support for the plebiscite, rather than a parliamentary free vote option.

The decision now goes to the joint Coalition party room today.

The Nationals have been staunch supporters of the plebiscite, with MP Andrew Broad warning the Coalition could split if the policy was dumped.

Advocacy group Australian Marriage Equality has legal advice that says a postal vote would be unconstitutional.

According to the advice, the Government does not have the power to spend money on a postal plebiscite without first passing legislation authorising use of taxpayer funds.