The Western Australian Labor Party are due to introduce a motion in state Parliament today supporting marriage equality, calling for the Federal Government to act now.

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WA Labor Leader Mark McGowan believes it is time for the Australian Government to make a decisive move on the issue, rather than stalling with a plebiscite.

“This is a fundamental issue of fairness and equality and most Western Australians understand that,” Mr McGowan said.

“It’s far more sensible for the Federal Parliament to act on marriage equality now, rather than drag it out and waste millions of dollars.”

WA Labor’s motion urges State Parliament to officially support marriage equality, calling on the Commonwealth Government to make amendments to the Marriage Act and legislate for equal marriage rights as soon as possible.

“Why spend almost $200 million on a non-binding plebiscite which doesn’t guarantee an outcome when the Federal Parliament can make marriage equality a reality now?” Mr McGowan told press this morning.

“Marriage equality is something that needs to be dealt with and I think it needs to be dealt with by Parliament – effectively, efficiently and cheaply and let the Parliament decide it as soon as possible.”

When asked whether he believes the motion will pass, Mr McGowan was concerned about the Liberal party.

“There’s a lot of Liberal party people who don’t support it, I think that’s fair to say, but I think most people in their heart of hearts would if they are acting on a conscience basis and that’s what I’m asking the Government to do.”

New Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has said in Federal Parliament he does not intend to stray from the Liberal party’s previous position on a binding vote against marriage equality, despite his open support for a conscience vote before his ascension to the Prime Ministerial chair.

The WA Parliament will debate the proposed motion at 4pm. Stay tuned for updates this afternoon.

Leigh Hill