Premium Content:

Liberal Senator Dean Smith warns against marriage plebiscite

DeanSmith20120328_1167

Western Australian Liberal Senator Dean Smith has told Sky News that he is concerned about his governments proposes plebiscite on marriage equality.

- Advertisement -

The openly gay senator said yesterday that he is concerned about the precedent a plebiscite on this matter would set, echoing calls from the Greens earlier this month.

“I’m more interested in what it does for our democratic culture. Is this a good thing? Is this something we should be considering over the longer term?” Senator Smith asked.

Senator Smith identified that there have only been three plebiscites in Australia’s history, two in 1916 and 1917 on conscription and military service, and one in 1977 to choose our national song. Mr Smith said he wants to know why plebiscites have been so infrequent.

“People are growing increasingly concerned about the $160 million price tag, some people are concerned about whether the debate can be managed well by the Australian community.”

Senator Smith told Sky he would describe the Turnbull government’s commitment to a plebiscite as conceptual.

“Once we start to see the detail around what the plebiscite looks like, people will be able to make a judgement call about whether or not it is the right way to proceed,” he continues.

The senator says he would prefer to see marriage equality resolved by a parliamentary vote.

“I trust parliamentary sovereignty. It’s a system that works very, very well in our country.”

OIP Staff


 

Sources

 

 

Latest

Ricky Martin leaves the west coast off his tour itinerary

If you want to see the Latin superstar book a ticket to the east.

Bangarra Dance Theatre will return to Perth this July

The dance company will return to WA for shows in Perth and Albany.

Dani Laidley reveals she’s been diagnosed with rare brain tumour

"When you say brain tumour it’s like getting hit over the head with a sledgehammer.” Laidley said of the moment she was diagnosed.

On This Gay Day | Blues singer Lucille Bogan was born in 1897

Lucile Bogan's songs were filled with suggestive lyrics.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Ricky Martin leaves the west coast off his tour itinerary

If you want to see the Latin superstar book a ticket to the east.

Bangarra Dance Theatre will return to Perth this July

The dance company will return to WA for shows in Perth and Albany.

Dani Laidley reveals she’s been diagnosed with rare brain tumour

"When you say brain tumour it’s like getting hit over the head with a sledgehammer.” Laidley said of the moment she was diagnosed.

On This Gay Day | Blues singer Lucille Bogan was born in 1897

Lucile Bogan's songs were filled with suggestive lyrics.

OPINION | Calling allies to step up and be seen this Trans Day of Visibility

Rebecca Bennett (she/her) is the Pro Vice Chancellor Equity Diversity and Inclusion at Murdoch University.

Ricky Martin leaves the west coast off his tour itinerary

If you want to see the Latin superstar book a ticket to the east.

Bangarra Dance Theatre will return to Perth this July

The dance company will return to WA for shows in Perth and Albany.

Dani Laidley reveals she’s been diagnosed with rare brain tumour

"When you say brain tumour it’s like getting hit over the head with a sledgehammer.” Laidley said of the moment she was diagnosed.

1 COMMENT

  1. 17 times its been to parliament and got knocked back every time. Time for the general population to have their say. The plebiscite is a good thing, a very good thing.

Comments are closed.