Nearly 80% of forms returned

NEARLY 80 per cent of Australians have returned their same-sex marriage postal survey form with just a week to go.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed 12.3 million forms had been returned, representing 77 per cent of the 16 million forms dispatched in the $122 million survey.

The bureau said 400,000 forms had been returned in the past week.

Forms must be received by 6pm on November 7 to be counted.

Tasmanians United for Marriage Equality spokesman Rodney Croome said arrange- ments had been put in place in an attempt to maximise the return of forms.

“The ABS office in Hobart will accept surveys right up until close of business on the final cut-off on Tuesday November 7,” he said.

“In the North of the state, Tasmanians United for Marriage Equality has arranged drop-off points in Launceston, Burnie and Devonport. Surveys received at these points by midday on Friday November 3 will be express posted to the ABS.”

The survey result is expected to be known on November 15 and a private member’s Bill introduced in the fortnight session from November 27 to December 7.

Finance Minister Mathias Cormann said turnout meant the survey would have great authority.

“It will come with the great authority of the Australian people and I am confident that the Australian Parliament will respect the verdict of the Australian people through this process,” he said.

Coalition for Marriage spokesman Mark Brown said volunteers would continue to doorknock this week.

Drop off points

Hobart: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 200 Collins St (opposite Village Cinemas). Launceston: Office of Ross Hart MP, 100 St John St (cnr York St). Launceston: Office of Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, 37 George St. Burnie: Office of Justine Keay MP, Shop 2/32 Wilmont St. Devonport: Office of Senator Anne Urquhart, ground floor, 69 Best St (opposite Kmart).