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

The coalition has resolved on an approach to dealing with the same-sex marriage issue which involves the Australian people being asked for their opinion. I can understand the honourable member complaining about the expense. She is entitled to that view but she cannot question the democracy. What we have here is a direct vote. Every single Australian will have a say. It is a new approach. It has not been a practice in the Australian political system other than in constitutional referendums. It is a new approach, and I grant the honourable member that. It is certainly not the approach that I favoured at the outset. I am a traditionalist. This was a case of democratic innovation. The innovator was out innovating, so there you go. Every Australian will have a say. The honourable member will have one vote. I will have one vote. And each of our respective constituents will have one vote, and we will be able to have our say. I will vote for the plebiscite. I will vote 'yes'. Some of us will vote 'no'.

Ms Rishworth interjecting—

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