THE HON MARK DREYFUS QC MP
SHADOW ATTORNEY-GENERAL
SHADOW MINISTER FOR NATIONAL SECURITY
ACTING SHADOW MINISTER FOR JUSTICE
MEMBER FOR ISAACS
TERRI BUTLER MP
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR PREVENTING FAMILY VIOLENCE
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR UNIVERSITIES
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR EQUALITY
MEMBER FOR GRIFFITH
LABOR SECURES IMPORTANT CONCESSIONS ON SAFEGUARDS BILL
Labor remains steadfastly opposed to the government's wasteful, hurtful $122 million postal survey on marriage equality which we've already seen has inflicted hurt and suffering on vulnerable LGBTI Australians and their families.
Now it is clear we cannot stop the survey from going ahead, we have to do all we can to minimise its impact.
Over the past few days, Labor has secured important concessions from the government that prohibit vilification and hate speech being a part of this process.
Lets be clear this safeguards bill does not in any way legitimise this survey process, which has been foisted upon Australians at a massive cost.
It does not cancel out the hurt that is already being felt.
We will continue to call out any hurtful and divisive speech and stand with the LGBTI community throughout this survey process and continue to hold Prime Minister Turnbull responsible for it.
Once again we urge all Australians, and both sides of this debate, to conduct themselves with kindness and with grace while this survey is ongoing.
Together, we can win this.
TUESDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER 2017
