Premium Content:

Kelly O'Dwyer: No decision has been made on plebiscite date

Kelly O'Dwyer

Kelly O’Dwyer, the Minister for Revenue and Financial Services, has told the ABC’s ‘Insiders’ program that the government has made no decision on the timing of a plebiscite for marriage equality or the wording of the question.

- Advertisement -

News reports have suggested that the government has decided to push back the plebiscite until February 2017 and the question will be “‘Do you approve of a law to permit people of the same sex to marry?”

O’Dwyer said that while the Special Minister for State, Scott Ryan, had received some advise from the Australian Electoral Commission the government had made no decisions on the timing of the plebiscite and was yet to consider the issue.

“My understanding is the Special Minister of State has received clear and direct advice from the Australian Electoral Commission that says it’s not possible to hold it before the end of the year.” O’Dwyer told the ABC’s Barrie Cassidy.

The Minister would not be drawn on why it was no longer possible to hold the poll before the end of the year but said the government had always been committed to scheduling the vote as soon as it was practicable.

O’Dwyer said the decision on when the plebiscite would be held was the responsibility of the cabinet and no decision had been made regarding the timing or question of the marriage plebiscite.

The minister said equally she could not rule out that the plebiscite may still occur in 2016, restating that the government has made no decisions.

OIP Staff

Latest

Review | ‘Kangaroo’ shows the healing power of animals

The Aussie film is based on a true-life story

‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ cancelled after threats from broadcast regulator

The show has been pulled after the broadcaster was threatened with huge fines.

Singer D4vd helping authorities after body allegedly found in the trunk of his car

The body has been identified as belonging to a missing teenager.

Dozens of charges against Alan Jones withdrawn as he faces court

Alan Jones' case is expected to be heard in 2026.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Review | ‘Kangaroo’ shows the healing power of animals

The Aussie film is based on a true-life story

‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ cancelled after threats from broadcast regulator

The show has been pulled after the broadcaster was threatened with huge fines.

Singer D4vd helping authorities after body allegedly found in the trunk of his car

The body has been identified as belonging to a missing teenager.

Dozens of charges against Alan Jones withdrawn as he faces court

Alan Jones' case is expected to be heard in 2026.

Surrogacy bill passes the Legislative Assembly

The laws will make it easier for Western Australians to start a family.

Review | ‘Kangaroo’ shows the healing power of animals

The Aussie film is based on a true-life story

‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ cancelled after threats from broadcast regulator

The show has been pulled after the broadcaster was threatened with huge fines.

Singer D4vd helping authorities after body allegedly found in the trunk of his car

The body has been identified as belonging to a missing teenager.