James Paterson (Victoria, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Attorney-General, Senator Brandis. Can the Attorney-General advise the Senate of the outcome of the High Court proceedings concerning the Australian marriage law postal survey?

George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Paterson, for that question. I can advise the Senate that in the last few minutes the High Court dismissed two sets of proceedings—one brought by Mr Andrew Wilkie and the other brought by Australian Marriage Equality and other parties—designed to prevent the same-sex marriage postal survey from proceeding. The effect of the decision of the court is that there is now no legal impediment to that postal survey proceeding and to all Australians having their say on this important social question.

The outcome of the High Court proceedings is what the government expected and is consistent with the advice provided to the government by the Commonwealth Solicitor-General, Dr Stephen Donaghue QC. On behalf of the government, might I take this opportunity to thank and congratulate Dr Donaghue and his team for their skilful advocacy and sound advice.