The Prime Minister office has reportedly pored cold water on Attorney General George Brandis’s time table for the marriage plebiscite.
Senator Brandis was a guest on SKY News this morning where he said the plebiscite on marriage equality would be held before the end of the year, and if successful, legislation changing the law would also be passed.
This afternoon the Prime Minister’s Office have given a different time frame for the vote, saying the plebiscite will be held at some point after the election.
A spokesperson for the Prime Minister told Fairfax Media the plebiscite would be held; “as soon after the election as can be done.” but would not confirm the time frame put forward by Senator Brandis.
Last year the Australian Electoral Commission told a senate inquiry that the cost of the plebiscite would be approximately $158 million and they would need three months to prepare for a vote. The commission said if the vote was held in conjunction with a federal election that around 29 weeks would be needed to prepare.
An absolute debacle: Malcolm Turnbull refuses to endorse promise made this morning by George Brandis that plebiscite will be held this year
— Bevan Shields (@BevanShields) March 6, 2016
We don’t need a plebiscite. It will be expensive, divisive, dangerous and unnecessary. https://t.co/DtUcaT0aH0
— Shane Bazzi (@shanebazzi) March 6, 2016
Each & every LNP candidate must declare before election if they will be bound by plebiscite, no exceptions.#auspol https://t.co/ccrskVsxvk
— R Peanut (@RegisteredPNut) March 6, 2016
..a plebiscite is weak, should be a referendum! https://t.co/DRvZtLtINI
— David Matheson (@davidmatheson27) March 6, 2016
Brandis promises plebiscite on marriage equality before the end of the year. Also promised were hoverboards, lightsabers & dinosaurs#auspol
— R. Min Chin (@MinchinRob) March 6, 2016
Far right Libs will use plebiscite as an excuse to bash gay Aussies. All on the taxpayer dollar. Worse than Putin. #auspol #libmess
— Citizen J (@UNCLE80075178) March 6, 2016
