Suse,

There will never be a referendum on the subject.

Dear Is Mise,

Predicting the future is a risky business
at the best of times. Remember all the
predictions that were floated around prior
to the last election.

We'll have to wait and see. Things can change
in a flash.

Is Mise, you may well be right.
I don't think we will need to have an expensive referendum on a subject that most people know will be voted in.
A budget minded Government will just legalise same sex marriage without a referendum.

Here I am agreeing with Tony Abbott on a referendum on same sex marriage in Australia. "referendums are only required for a proposal to change the constitution." As Professor George Williams said "“You could hold a referendum if you wanted but only if parliament authorises it. In which case it would be a plebiscite, or essentially a big opinion poll.” I might add a very costly opinion poll. Gay marriage can be implemented in Australia simply by an act of Parliament, and our politicians should be showing political leadership on this matter. The Labor Party has a clear pro policy, removing it as a moral issue for party members, and should vote accordingly, the Conservatives have no stated policy and therefore should vote as individuals.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/24/tony-abbott-says-no-to-referendum-on-same-sex-marriage-despite-irish-vote

Paul,

Spot on, there will never be a referendum on the subject because such a vote would be a plebiscite, and one ain't the other.

Pedanticism wins!!

Dear Susonline,

While I am glad for Ireland it really does make me depressed about what Australia has become.

It is sobering to think South Australia was the first part of the Commonwealth to give women the vote and after NZ Australia as a nation was the second in the world.

The 8 hour day originated with the Stone Masons in Victoria and spread around the world.

We introduced an aged pension after Germany and NZ.

So many instances of us being in the vanguard of reform movements yet Australia appears to be the last developed English speaking nation to legislate for Gay Marriage in any of its parliaments.

Not a lot to be proud of there.