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

The honourable member knows very well that as Prime Minister I am not responsible for what that gentleman says, any more than he is responsible for what advocates on the other side of the debate say. The bottom line is this. What he is afraid of is a debate. What he is afraid of is speech. He does not trust the civility—

Mr Bandt interjecting—

Yes, you do not trust the civility of the Australian people, the people who elected you. What the honourable member is saying to the electors of Melbourne is: 'I don't trust you to have a respectful, civil conversation. I don't trust you to be anything other than bigots.' The reality is we put our faith in the Australian people. This is a great democracy. The plebiscite is a proposal we took to the election. We won the election. We have a mandate. We are asking the Leader of the Opposition to work with us to ensure that on 11 February every Australian gets their say.

Mr Buchholz interjecting—

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