Premium Content:

Bill Shorten says he'll actively campaign for a YES vote

Labor leader Bill Shorten has told reporters that he’ll be actively campaigning for the YES side of the marriage equality debate.

- Advertisement -

Following the High Court’s decision that will allow the government’s plan for a nationwide postal survey on marriage to proceed, Shorten said it was time to make sure the result of the process was a positive one.

“Whilst we believe that this $122 million dollar survey is a waste of tax payers money, we want to say to people who are feeling disappointed, please turn your disappointment into determination. Determination to win.

“This is a debate where we need to encourage all Australian to participate in this survey. If this survey must be then we must win it.

“I won’t be in the sidelines in this debate, nor with the Labor party of my colleagues. We will be on the front line talking to family and friends, people in workplaces, people in shopping centres and street corners, encouraging people to vote YES for marriage equality.

Shorten said Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull should also actively campaign for marriage equality rather than claim that the demands of his office would not give him enough time.

The Labor leader said his party would be quick to condemn any vilification of LGBTI Australians during the campaign.

“Whenever we see vilification and vile abuse, we will condemn it. Wherever we see people talking rubbish about unrelated issues, we will call it out.

Senator Penny Wong said many Australians would have been disappointed by the High Court’s decision.

“We didn’t want to be here, but now we are here. Lets win it, lets get it done.”

Senator Wong encouraged all supporters of marriage equality to campaign and “get out the vote”.

OIP Staff


Support OUTinPerth

Thanks for reading OUTinPerth. We can only create LGBTIQA+ focused media with your help.

If you can help support our work, please consider assisting us through a one-off contribution to our GoFundMe campaign, or a regular contribution through our Patreon appeal.

Become a Supporter→     Make a contribution→ 

 

 

Latest

LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation founder Ben Bjarnesen to step down

Bjarnesen founded the organisation in 2019.

Neo-soul star D’Angelo dies aged 51

The singer has lost a long battle with cancer.

RMIT to lead groundbreaking research into LGBTIQA+ hate crimes in Victoria

The research will be led by Dr Jeremie Bracka and seeks to address the need for acknowledgement of policing failures and renewed attention to unsolved cases.

Greens voice support for surrogacy reform ahead of debate in Upper House

The support from The Greens drastically improves the chances of the bill becoming law.

Newsletter

Don't miss

LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation founder Ben Bjarnesen to step down

Bjarnesen founded the organisation in 2019.

Neo-soul star D’Angelo dies aged 51

The singer has lost a long battle with cancer.

RMIT to lead groundbreaking research into LGBTIQA+ hate crimes in Victoria

The research will be led by Dr Jeremie Bracka and seeks to address the need for acknowledgement of policing failures and renewed attention to unsolved cases.

Greens voice support for surrogacy reform ahead of debate in Upper House

The support from The Greens drastically improves the chances of the bill becoming law.

On This Gay Day | In 1976 Lex Watson fronted an angry audience in Mt Isa

The gay rights activist faced many homophobic comments on an ABC TV program.

LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation founder Ben Bjarnesen to step down

Bjarnesen founded the organisation in 2019.

Neo-soul star D’Angelo dies aged 51

The singer has lost a long battle with cancer.

RMIT to lead groundbreaking research into LGBTIQA+ hate crimes in Victoria

The research will be led by Dr Jeremie Bracka and seeks to address the need for acknowledgement of policing failures and renewed attention to unsolved cases.