Bishop helped quash free vote
Getty
Foreign minister Julie Bishop has defended her decision to intervene in a Coalition party room debate to swing support against a free vote on same sex marriage.
Ms Bishop took to Twitter to respond to a comment from one of TND’s readers on Wednesday afternoon.
I’m surprised to hear that @JulieBishopMP voted to block #MarriageEquaility conscience vote. She’s usually a very astute politician #auspol
— Matt Siegel (@Mattsiegel1) August 12, 2015
It’s my view the Australian people should have a direct say on this issue 👭👬 https://t.co/0CZ2hIBeLw — Julie Bishop (@JulieBishopMP) August 12, 2015
Queensland MP Andrew Laming made the revelation on 3AW on Wednesday morning, despite reports that Ms Bishop wanted debate on the matter to go ahead in parliament.
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“Julie Bishop’s intervention was extremely powerful and an attractive option,” Mr Laming said.
“What happened at the end was Julie Bishop’s intervention.
“She said, in essence, this will have to go to the people if we can’t adequately deal with it.”
Joe Hockey also backed the PM’s whim in the same-sex Coalition debate. Photo: Getty
Mr Laming explained that Ms Bishop thought debate on gay marriage should not become stuck in the Senate, no matter who won the next election.
She subsequently called for it to go to a binding vote from all Australians.
Treasurer Joe Hockey also spoke strongly for a vote by the people, rather than “forcing it into the parliament”, according to Mr Laming.
After a six-hour meeting on Tuesday night, most Liberal and National MPs did not want a free vote into gay marriage (66-33).
“I am one of the 30,” Mr Laming added.
“I argued extremely strongly for a free vote.”
Prime Minister Tony Abbott came out Wednesday morning and strongly floated the idea of same-sex marriage going to a national vote after the next election.
“I am the leader, I had to make a call and I think this is the best call,” Mr Abbott told ABC Radio.
“There is the prospect of change in the next parliament if that is the will of the Australian people”, referring to the proposal for a national non-binding vote.
