2016-02-02
The Australian Greens are calling on Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to abandon his predecessor's costly marriage equality plebiscite and grant a free vote on the issue this week, as a new poll in National Party held seats shows the people want the Parliament to decide.
"This plebiscite is about as popular as its architect, Tony Abbott. Poll after poll shows the Australian community wants the government to legislate for marriage equality. This plebiscite is going over like a lead balloon," Greens marriage equality spokesperson Senator Robert Simms said.
"When Malcolm Turnbull became Prime Minister he promised a different style of leadership and a different direction for his government, yet all we're seeing is the same stale old Abbott-era policies. Who's in charge here, is it Mr Turnbull, or the conservative dinosaurs on his back bench?
"Mr Turnbull should grant a free vote on marriage equality this week and end this farce over a national plebiscite."
Media contact: Amy Moran 0417 173 508