Former NSW Liberal leader Nick Greiner has labeled the coalition’s commitment to a plebiscite on marriage laws a bad decision, one he says should fill us with horror.
Writing in the The Daily Telegraph, Mr Griener, who was Premier of NSW from 1988 – 1992, outlined why Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s decision to retain Tony Abbott’s plebiscite policy is just bad politics.
“In politics you should pick your battles, not create unnecessary new ones.” Mr Greiner wrote, arguing that the move makes the issue a distraction right up until the point that the legislation is passed.
“The valuable time of the cabinet, Coalition party room and parliament should not be taken up seeking agreement on how a plebiscite should work, how it will be funded and if the outcome will be binding, when the public just wants parliament to do its job.” Mr Greiner said.
The respected Liberal elder statesman said the idea that this how our parliamentarians should spend their time should fill Australians with horror.
Mr Greiner said the plebiscite would pit members of the coalition against each other, noting that the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister had opposing views.
“This will do nothing for Coalition stability.” Mr Greiner said.
Early this week Attorney General George Brandis, who supports marriage equality, and Treasurer Scott Morrison, who has vowed to be a vocal opponent, publicly offered different time frames for the delivery of the plebiscite. The public disagreement showing a lack of communication among cabinet members.
Mr Greiner is not the only Liberal voice arguing against the plebiscite. Earlier this week Western Australian senator Dean Smith told ABC radio he has serious concerns about the plan.
“I’m uncomfortable with the cost, secondly I’m uncomfortable with us too readily abrogating the foundational principle of parliamentary sovereignty,” Senator Smith told ABC radio.
“Once we set a precedent on this issue, how do we argue that we shouldn’t have a plebiscite on other issues, for example sending men and women off to armed conflict overseas. How do we argue that we don’t have a plebiscite on euthanasia?”
Senator Smith was previously opposed to marriage equality but is now advocating for the laws to be changed.
OIP Staff
