By JESSE GRAHAM
CASEY MP Tony Smith has ruled out surveying the electorate on same-sex marriage, following the announcement of a survey in neighbouring electorate, La Trobe.
Earlier this month, the office of La Trobe MP Jason Wood announced it would be sending out a survey from 20-25 July to households, asking voters to give their opinion on amending the Marriage Act to allow same-sex marriage.
Enrolled voters will be able to reply to the survey either by calling his office, scanning a QR code to respond online or through a reply paid envelope supplied with the survey.
The Mail reported this week that, while Mr Wood supports a conscience vote on the issue, his personal position on the matter is undeclared.
He said, as many from his electorate were contacting him on the issue, he would use the survey to form his position.
The Mail contacted Mr Smith to ask whether he would consider an electorate-wide survey, and what his position was on the matter.
“I don’t have any plans to (run a survey), and I wouldn’t on just one topic” he said.
“In a sense, I’m constantly surveying my electorate, in as much as people certainly let me know their views on the topics that are of concern to them – either by sending me an email on my website … or by sending me an email directly, or by phoning, or coming along to one of my mobile offices.”
Mr Smith said he does not support changing the Marriage Act in this term of Parliament – a sentiment he said he expressed to constituents in a candidates’ forum and individually prior to the 2013 Federal Election.
“As a Member of Parliament, I was asked at the last election … whether I would support a change to the Marriage Act in this term of Parliament,” he said.
“I said I wouldn’t.
“That’s obviously the position of my party and it remains my position and the position of my party.”
He said he would “consider” supporting a conscience vote on the issue, but that “it would depend on the circumstances of the time”.
“I’d consider it within the party room with my colleagues,” Mr Smith said.
He said the issue of same-sex marriage was a divisive one in the community, and urged residents to discuss the matter respectfully.
“On this issue, it’s important that people respect each other’s differing views and people of goodwill can have very different views on the subject,” he said.
“I, as a Federal Member of Parliament, try to be respectful of all views.
“I try not to be a commentator.”
A poll commissioned by Australian Marriage Equality and conducted by social research and political polling firm, Crosby-Textor in June 2014, indicated strong support for legalising same-sex marriage across Australia.
The question “Based on what you know at this point in time, would you support or oppose allowing same-sex couples to marry in Australia?” was posed to 1000 respondents.
According to the poll, 72 per cent of the respondents supported legalising same-sex marriage, including about 48 per cent showing ‘strong support’ – only 21 per cent indicated they opposed legalising same-sex marriage, with 14 per cent strongly opposed.
What are your thoughts on the issue? The Mail has opened an online survey on the matter, asking the same question listed above.
To view and complete the survey, visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/DPYD9JM.
Alternatively, write a Letter to the Editor at editor@mailnewsgroup.com.au or to 244 Maroondah Highway, Healesville, or comment below.
