SENATOR PENNY WONG, LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION IN THE SENATE: The first thing I want to talk about is marriage equality. My good friend and colleague Terri Butler made clear this week that she would try bring the bill on in the Parliament to deliver marriage equality and she will do that. And weve had in recent times I think some very good reasons why Malcolm Turnbull should be allowing this vote to come on and allowing this bill to come on. We see in recent days and weeks intolerance hijacking the debate on Safe Schools program. It is an example of what would happen in a plebiscite where extreme views, intolerant views, some hateful language would start to hijack the debate, a clear demonstration of why we need a Parliamentary vote and not a plebiscite on this issue.
Weve also had no less than John Howard say that this is a matter for the Parliament and Malcolm Turnbull should heed the advice of Prime Minister Howard, he should heed that advice. It is a matter for the Parliament.
And finally I would remind everybody that senior Liberals have made it quite clear they wont be bound by the result of a plebiscite. Eric Abetz and others have cast doubt on the rationale for a plebiscite, making it clear they wouldnt be bound.
So I say to Malcolm Turnbull, youve seen whats happened when it comes to the debate over the Safe Schools program. Youve seen some of the intolerant language. Youve seen the way intolerant and extreme views have hijacked the debate. Its time for you to be the Malcolm Turnbull Australians hoped youd be and allow this bill to come on for a debate. Happy to take questions.
JOURNALIST: Can we talk about the resignation of Joe Bullock last night. What do you make of that and what does this say about the party in WA? Youve had members from WA openly criticise Mr Bullock. What does it say about Labor over in that state?
WONG: First, in terms of Western Australia, we have I think a changing of the guard and we have had a number of people who have decided for personal reasons not to continue. Weve got an opportunity and a responsibility to select the next generation of Labor in WA. You dont win government if you dont compete in Western Australia. Weve had some very senior people from Western Australia over the years, cabinet ministers, former Leader Kim Beazley. So our job is to ensure that p reselections bring forward the next generation of Labor champions for Western Australia.
I will say on Joe, I think people know he and I dont have the same views on many issues, but he is a man of his convictions and he demonstrated his commitment to those convictions last night. I wish him and his family well.
JOURNALIST: There are suggestions that, Joe Bullock saying, that Labor has been intolerant to alternate views on various issues, such as gay marriage.
WONG: We had a lengthy discussion over many years in this party. We had the paramount decision making forum of the party, the National Conference, put its views on this issue. But, as I said, I wish him well and his family well.
JOURNALIST: Gary Gray says the party should be more tolerant of different views in the Caucus. Do you agree?
WONG: I think we do have people with a range of different views on different issues, but on this issue the National Conference made clear its view. What Id say is whatever my differences of views, I think Joe has demonstrated consistency in his convictions and he showed integrity last night in the decision he made.
JOURNALIST: Can I just ask on Senate voting reform, it appears from press reports the Greens may seek a delay to a vote on this issue when Parliament next sits.
WONG: I think that Richard Di Natale, who is just off to the side here, Im sure youll ask him, hes probably got the late news on that. Id say a couple of things, one is I dont think theres any doubt that the voting reforms that have been put forward by the Liberals and the Greens will benefit the Coalition. It will benefit the major parties, the Coalition and Labor, and it will benefit the Greens. But what it will risk is a Coalition blocking majority in the Senate. I think anybody who saw the 2014 Budget should be asking the Australian Greens why they would possibly put forward a system that would have ensured, or made very likely, that the 2014 budget, with $100,000 degrees, pension cuts and a GP tax would have passed the Parliament.
JOURNALIST: What do you think, make of the, how does this look for voters, I guess, in terms of the way that Joe Bullock came to power, I guess, in terms of the deal between unions? I mean, especially in terms of, I guess the way he has been criticised by Louise Pratt, I guess.
WONG: Im not going to enter into a historical discussion. Joe has made his decision and I wish him well. Thank you.

ENDS