Page 2645 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 10 August 2016
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(2) supports a free and respectful discussion on marriage in the Canberra community; and
(3) respects that all individuals, including MLAs and ACT Government employees, should be free to exercise their own free vote in the plebiscite.”.
MR BARR (Molonglo—Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Tourism and Events and Minister for Urban Renewal) (4.02): I thank Ms Burch for raising this motion today and the Leader of the Opposition for his comments. I regret I am not in a position to support the Leader of the Opposition’s amendment as it significantly waters down the intent of Ms Burch’s motion. I think it is time to make some very clear statements of values, to make some very clear commitments to the people of Canberra about the values this place holds and their government holds and to be active participants in the process from here on in.
I will outline why I believe that is the case and why I believe it is appropriate that the ACT Assembly follows other state and territory parliaments and, indeed, the Brisbane City Council, in expressing support for marriage equality. I note from your publicly stated positions, Madam Assistant Speaker, and that of the Leader of the Opposition, together with what I know are the public positions of all of my Labor colleagues and Minister Rattenbury, that the majority of members in this place support marriage equality. I do not believe it is particularly controversial for this Assembly to reaffirm its support for marriage equality given that is the position of the majority of members.
I also understand and respect the need for a free, positive and respectful discussion on the issue in the community. But there is a role for us as elected representatives to be involved in that discussion and to provide support and assistance for those who wish to participate.
The important point to note here—and Mr Hanson is wrong on this matter of fact—is that a plebiscite is not inevitable. A plebiscite requires the support of both houses of parliament and there is not a majority for a plebiscite at this stage from both houses of federal parliament. In fact, there would appear to be, given the stated position of members of the House of Representatives, a majority in favour of marriage equality in the House of Representatives and the Senate, if only a free vote were granted.
Mr Hanson has given a free vote to his members. If Prime Minister Turnbull gave a free vote to his colleagues, we could save the country $160 million and a lot of grief and get on with passing an important social reform for this country. There is majority support now in the House of Representatives and in the Senate and from members across all political parties who would vote yes for marriage equality if given a free vote. That is what should happen in the federal parliament now, and that is what this motion calls for today.
We call on the Australian parliament to consider the issue as a priority when sittings resume and we call on the Australian parliament to resolve the issue through a free vote of all members. If that is not the case and if the federal parliament resolves to go down the path of a plebiscite, I think it is appropriate for this place to take a position
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