Bill Shorten (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to this disgusting pamphlet authorised by a former Liberal minister which falsely claims that children of gay couples are more likely to abuse drugs, have sexually transmitted diseases and be unemployed. How does this fit with the Prime Minister's guarantee today of respectful discussion? Why is the Prime Minister making Australians pay $122 million to give licence to this vile rubbish?

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

I refer to my earlier answer: we gave a commitment in the election to give every Australian their say. One of the differences between our side of politics and Labor—at least as it is represented today—is that we respect the good sense of the Australian people. We know they are perfectly capable of having a respectful discussion and debate. We are not going to shut down democracy and debate because people here or there say outrageous or defamatory things. We have a robust democracy. We respect Australians' ability to have a frank and forthright discussion on this issue. Above all, we respect them so much that, when we say we will give them their say, we are doing everything we can to ensure that they have their say.