Terri Butler (Griffith, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. Given it is clear that members of the Prime Minister's own party will not respect the $160 million plebiscite on marriage equality, will the Prime Minister immediately allow the free vote that he used to argue for on the private member's bill that is presently before the parliament?

Mr Van Manen interjecting—

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Forde will cease interjecting. The Prime Minister has the call.

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

I thank the honourable member for her question. I am not sure what it is about the honourable member's approach to democracy that she so despises the views of the people that sent her here—

Opposition Members:

Opposition members interjecting—

Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to 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—

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Kingston is warned!

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

How the Australian people vote, time will tell. But what the honourable member should recognise is that this decision will be owned by the entire Australian people.

Ms Plibersek interjecting—

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Prime Minister has concluded his answer. The member for Sydney will resume her seat. The member for Bass has the call.