It’s ‘yes’ for post survey

A SURVEY to ask 16 million Australians if they support legalising same-sex marriage will be posted out from next Tuesday after the High Court yesterday approved its validity.

Forms and envelopes have been printed, and a $15 million advertising blitz to tell voters how they can participate will begin on Sunday.

Yes and No vote advocates immediately launched new TV and radio advertisements in their campaigns.

Australians will be asked to return the voluntary survey by October 27. The result will be announced on November 15.

If a majority supports samesex marriage, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has promised to introduce a Bill in parliament to legalise it, which he believes will “sail through”.

The full bench of the High Court unanimously dismissed two challenges to the $122 million survey: one from Tasmanian independent MP Andrew Wilkie, advocate Felicity Marlowe and the Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays; and the other from Australian Marriage Equality and Greens senator Janet Rice. Legal costs were awarded against them.

The Prime Minister looked relieved after the decision was announced during Question Time. “(My wife) Lucy and I will be voting Yes and I will be encouraging others to vote Yes ... Above all, I encourage every Australian to have their say,” Mr Turnbull said.

He dismissed Opposition Leader Bill Shorten’s request to sign a joint letter in support, questioning whether that “would actually increase the case for the Yes vote”.

“If this survey must be, then we must win it,” Mr Shorten said.