Politics with Michelle Grattan
News:Politics
When the government didn’t get the numbers to pass legislation for a same-sex marriage plebiscite they put the wheels in motion for their second best plan: a postal survey.
Since announcing that the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) would be responsible for carrying out the same-sex marriage postal survey, acting special minister of state Mathias Cormann has had no shortage of questions from journalists and on social media.
In the absence of normal protections offered by the Australian Electoral Commission, Cormann says the government is developing legislation to ensure the respective ‘yes’ and ‘no’ campaigns are respectful.
Similarly, issues around accessibility to the postal vote are being worked out by the ABS, with a paperless option being created for certain circumstances.
On the High Court challenges tabled for August 24 he says that while no forms will be sent out until September 12 - after the issue is resolved - any money spent preparing the postal survey will have been spent. “We believe the course of action we have chosen is constitutional and legal but this is now a matter for the High Court”.
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Pat Turner on COVID – and god botherers – stalking Indigenous communities
Doherty’s Sharon Lewin on pivoting from chasing COVID zero
Word from the Hill: The battle to exit COVID
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Anthony Albanese says Afghans in Australia should be given permanent residency
Josh Frydenberg on uncertain economic times
Word from the Hill: A reprimand for Christensen and Morrison on climate
Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers on promoting vaccine uptake and a 'modest spending program'
a four-stage plan and a $300 payment to get vaccinated
Bob Brown on his latest environmental battle, and a critique of Labor
Word from The Hill: three states in lockdown
Barnaby Joyce on net zero 2050, a coal-fired power station – and how resources is (sort of) in cabinet
Word from the Hill: Julia Banks and international travel caps
Jacinta Price's parliamentary agenda
Word from The Hill: the return to lockdown
Sussan Ley and Terri Butler on the Great Barrier Reef being 'in danger'
Word from The Hill: Australia's new Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, climate policy and UNESCO
Acting PM Michael McCormack on net zero 2050 and prospects for a new coal-fired power station
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