Ross Hart (Bass, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

There are a number of issues that should be at the forefront of every person in this place. For me, as the representative of the community I have lived in my whole life, the electorate of Bass, those things include quality, well-paid jobs, a high-quality tertiary health system and an education system that drives economic growth. But those on the other side are so rife with disunity and so shambolic that they are simply unable to show leadership on any issue.

Taxpayers will be forced to foot the bill for a $122 million survey, subject to a decision to be handed down today. The feedback that I have received is that people want this matter resolved. But, regardless of the result, this survey will not bind a single person in this House to vote. It is a matter that could be resolved today with a vote in the parliament. Instead, I see division, despite the requests for a respectful debate. Our LGBTI communities and their families are left to contend with hatred and division levelled against them. Material that I have seen in my emails saddens and disgusts me. Others of faith are faced with accusations of homophobia.

I strongly believe that our LGBTI community deserves my support. I stand in their corner and I will continue to doorknock my community to win the 'yes' vote. Every family deserves the stability and recognition that marriage confers. That is why I will continue to argue and doorknock. I will be voting 'yes'.

Mark Coulton (Parkes, Deputy-Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Before I call the member for Dawson, I would like to recognise in the students' gallery, students from Dubbo Christian School and Wellington Public School from the electorate of Parkes.