Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

We were arguing for a model in which an Australian President would be chosen by a joint sitting of both houses of parliament—a very good model, indeed, and many of my colleagues, here, supported it. But, I am afraid to say, there were quite a few people who opposed it and said, 'Give the people their say.' I regret to say, that was extremely popular. People like having a say. People like having a vote.

The position that we are taking is one in which this issue—an important issue—will be determined by plebiscite. It is a perfectly democratic approach. Yes, it will take more time. Yes, it will cost more money. Yes, in my view, it will be carried, but time will tell. I will certainly vote for it, but it will be a national vote. On the hustings, the honourable member will be saying to the electors of Griffith: 'None of you should have a say. Vote for me and I will have a say!' And your Liberal opponent will be saying: 'All of you can have a say.' They will be saying every single one can have a say.

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