Labor leader Bill Shorten has called on Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to address the issue of marriage equality when parliament resumes.

- Advertisement -

“Together we can make marriage equality a reality, lets just do that the next time parliament meets.” Mr Shorten said this morning.

The Labor leader dismissed the Prime Minister comments this morning which suggested that it was Shorten who was not supportive of marriage equality because Labor blocked the government’s plebiscite legislation in the senate.

“I think that’s lashing out a bit there, he knows as well I do that we both support it.

“I don’t doubt that Malcolm Turnbull supports marriage equality,” Shorten said. “We should just have a vote in parliament, I mean we do meet 20 weeks of the year.”

“I think Australians are almost over this argument, and when I say that, it doesn’t mean I don’t think its important, of course it is. I think we should just get on and do it. Just have a vote. Lets not make it an issue going forward, lets just vote on it decide it.” Shorten said.

‘Marriage equality should be a reality, plenty of other countries have gone down this path and we could do it very easily.”

The PM was forced to restate his commitment to the Abbott-era policy after it was reported that one of his closest allies, Defense Industry Minister  Christopher Pyne had suggested that the coalition’s policy might change in the near future.

Speaking to reporters earlier today the Prime Minister restated his commitment to holding a plebiscite.

“Our policy is clear and we have no plans to change it.” Turnbull said.

Suggestions that the issue could be addressed by a free vote in parliament have been criticised by conservative MPs including former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, and Treasurer Scott Morrison.

OIP Staff