Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne says cabinet and the majority of the party room still supports holding a plebiscite on marriage equality.  Speaking on SKY News Pyne had it clear that he expects moderate MPs will fall into line and support the policy after Monday’s emergency party room meeting.

- Advertisement -

“The first step is a national vote to bring the Australian public with us – that is the policy that has been reaffirmed by Malcolm Turnbull, by the cabinet and by me here today,” Pyne said.

The South Australian MP said the only reason there wasn’t marriage equality in Australia was because the government’s plebiscite plan had been  blocked by the opposition. Pyne accused Labor leader Bill Shorten of playing politics with the issue.

Western Australian senator Dean Smith however is adamant that he won’t be supporting the plebiscite policy, describing it as a “delaying tool” for allowing marriage equality.

Speaking in the emdia earlier today Senator Smith has dismissed the proposal for a postal plebiscite saying it was not in Australia’s democratic tradition and was likely to be challenged in court.

The senator said the architects of the postal plebiscite plan deserved credit for trying to find a solution to the issue, but for Senator Smith a free vote in parliament is still the best way forward.

OIP Staff