House debates Questions without Notice

Marriage

Wednesday, 21 October 2015 House of Representatives

Clare O'Neil

Clare O'Neil Hotham, Australian Labor Party

3:03 pm

My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to the Prime Minister's support for a plebiscite on marriage equality and I ask the Prime Minister: will the national result of the plebiscite be binding on coalition members? Or will individual coalition members be bound by the results in their individual seats? Or will the plebiscite not be binding on coalition members at all?

Malcolm Turnbull

Malcolm Turnbull Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister

3:04 pm

That is a very good question and I thank you for it.

Unidentified interjection - Hansard doesn't record who said this

Opposition Members:

Opposition members interjecting—

Tony Smith

Tony Smith Speaker

Members on my left!

Malcolm Turnbull

Malcolm Turnbull Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister

I think it is an absolutely reasonable request. The answer is—

Mr Husic interjecting—

Tony Smith

Tony Smith Speaker

The member for Chifley has been warned.

Malcolm Turnbull

Malcolm Turnbull Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister

that the consequence of a 'yes' vote in the plebiscite will be that same-sex marriage will be legal in Australia.

Opposition members interjecting—

Tony Smith

Tony Smith Speaker

Members on my left will cease interjecting. The member for Hotham will cease interjecting.