Premium Content:

Plebiscite will come shortly after election: O'Dwyer

KellyODwyer_hero

Minister for Small Business Kelly O’Dwyer says the proposed plebiscite on marriage equality will come shortly after the next federal election.

- Advertisement -

The debate was re-ignited last week when Coalition backbencher Warren Entsch proposed a plan to Prime Minister Turnbull that recommended enforcing legislation that would bind the government to act on the outcome of the plebiscite.

The Federal Member for Higgins Ms O’Dwyer addressed concerns that a “Yes” vote for amending the Marriage Act will not be upheld by the government.

“It would be absolutely bizarre for the Parliament to ignore the will of the people,” Ms O’Dwyer told ABC.

Prime Minister Turnbull is committed to resolving the marriage equality debate by plebiscite, despite calls from equality proponents to pass the legislation in Parliament following a Senate inquiry that recommends against a public vote – citing concerns for the well being of the LGBTIQ community.

Mr Turnbull says he has faith in the decency and common sense of the Australian people.

OIP Staff

Latest

Head down to The Rams ‘Have a Try’ day and give rugby a go

Is 2026 your year to take a new sport?

The Year in Review | October 2025

There was podcast controversy, court challenges, badly named clubs and the Gay Games announcement!

On This Gay Day | Fashion designer Pierre Cardin died

Cardin is credited with opening new markets for fashion.

‘Golden Gay Time’ will be a healthy dose of queer comedy at Fringe World

Check out the show featuring Courtney Maldo, Charlie Fern and their favourite queer comics.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Head down to The Rams ‘Have a Try’ day and give rugby a go

Is 2026 your year to take a new sport?

The Year in Review | October 2025

There was podcast controversy, court challenges, badly named clubs and the Gay Games announcement!

On This Gay Day | Fashion designer Pierre Cardin died

Cardin is credited with opening new markets for fashion.

‘Golden Gay Time’ will be a healthy dose of queer comedy at Fringe World

Check out the show featuring Courtney Maldo, Charlie Fern and their favourite queer comics.

French icon Brigitte Bardot dies aged 91

Bardot was one of the world's most famous actors but she spent much of her life campaigning for animal rights.

Head down to The Rams ‘Have a Try’ day and give rugby a go

Is 2026 your year to take a new sport?

The Year in Review | October 2025

There was podcast controversy, court challenges, badly named clubs and the Gay Games announcement!

On This Gay Day | Fashion designer Pierre Cardin died

Cardin is credited with opening new markets for fashion.