Bill Shorten (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. Prime Minister, I and many Australians believe the time is right in Australia for marriage equality. Will the Prime Minister join with Labor and allow time in the parliament for legislation on marriage equality to be properly debated; and will the Prime Minister allow his MPs a free vote?

Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I have been asked an important question by the Leader of the Opposition. I understand that the Leader of the Opposition and the Deputy Leader of the Opposition will submit a private member's bill to this parliament. They have every right to do so, of course. That bill will be dealt with in the ordinary way that private members' bills are dealt with. If, because of the actions of this parliament, a private member's bill were to be brought on for a vote, at that point in time, this matter—as is well known—would be handled by the coalition party room.

This is an important issue. It is not the only important issue facing our country right now, but it is an important issue. It is an issue upon which there are sharply divided views inside this parliament, inside our respective political parties and, indeed, as is well known, even inside my own family. It is important that all views be treated with respect, because this is one of those subjects upon which decent people can disagree. Now, I cannot foresee the future. I do not know how our society will develop. I do not know how this parliament will proceed in the months and years ahead. I do just make this one point, though. If our parliament were to make a big decision on a matter such as this, it ought to be owned by the parliament and not by any particular party. So I would ask the Leader of the Opposition and all members of parliament to consider this as we ponder these subjects in the weeks and months to come.