The Australian Greens have warned that a plebiscite on marriage equality could pave the way for additional expensive polls on other issues in the future.

When questioned by Greens LGBTI Spokesperson Senator Robert Simms, Attorney General and Senator George Brandis told Senate Estimates that at least five highly paid staff have already been working on the project.

“This is a project that’s already burning through taxpayer funds before it’s even got off the ground,” Senator Simms said.

“The costs are rapidly skyrocketing and this isn’t even taking into account the $160 million price tag of running the plebiscite itself.”

Senator Simms is concerned that Attorney General Brandis would not rule out conducting plebiscites on other matters in the future.

“This could set an alarming precedent, where the authority of the Parliament is ceded to expensive opinion polls,” Senator Simms continued.

“Many Australians would be concerned about this Americanisation of our politics – particularly if questions of human rights are decided in this way.”

The Australian Greens and other marriage proponents continue to call for a free vote in Parliament instead of the costly plebiscite.

“The public doesn’t want it and within a few weeks we will learn the extra costs associated with this plebiscite, but it’s not too late to save taxpayers’ money and ditch this expensive poll.”

Senator Brandis’ office is expected to outline the costs of staff and legal advice surround the plebiscite in the coming weeks.

OIP Staff