THE BEANS
... On Marriage Equality
there for it , there is no need for another costing the taxpayer $ 170 million .
DANIEL : I think a plebiscite would be a huge cost to the tax payer in an already very stretched financial environment . However if the matter is to be dealt with a plebiscite is the best of a bad bunch of options .
BOB : Don ’ t waste our hard earned money on any plebiscite or the likes . We have poverty all over the world , and the results of a plebiscite wouldn ’ t change a single thing . It ’ s a total waste of money .
How do you think Parliament dealt with this issue ?
JESSE : This current parliament is using this issue for their own political gain , trying to save some face for the liberals whilst also not directly achieving anything on equality thus pleasing the Nationals and conservatives amongst the ranks . I speak of this issue in such political terms now because that is what this issue has become . Why in this day and age are we still ignoring the electorate , still taking policy direction from the church and religious lobby groups ? We elected a parliament to lead us according to the consensus of our desires , and they are failing in their one job .
DANIEL : I was disappointed with the enormous amount of time spent by the parliament on this issue . Many more pressing issues were left hanging . Regional Australia has an unacceptably high youth unemployment rate , we have an insurance affordability crisis with yet another cyclone season approaching and a struggling regional economy yet the focus for some so called ‘ political leaders ’ has been on changing the meaning of a word .
A vote in parliament would encourage excessive pressure on individual MP ’ s from certain groups on both sides of the debate . Parliament should get on with running the country .
BOB : I ’ m against any politician making calls that can affect lives long after their one term in office . Just pass the bill and get on with the real problems our country has !
Do you think Australia ’ s stance on this has affected how we are perceived by other nations ?
JESSE : Many of our major allies around the world have long since gotten on the bandwagon and listened to their people and to the common good . The United States , ruled by conservative governors , a congress and a senate , couldn ’ t stop what was rightfully the property of their citizens - equality . In recent days , President elect Donald Trump had made statements retracting his commitment to taking away marriage equality . Even the man the world is claiming will spell destruction for the US … will not touch it . It is certainly a sad state of affairs in this country when we deny equality , and are less progressive than Donald Trump .
DANIEL : The handling of this matter ( along with other issues ) has painted Australia in poor light around the globe . Clearly we have a shortfall in leadership . This must change for the sake of the nation ’ s future .
BOB : I think we are perceived as backwards ! I think there are much bigger things for our government to worry about ! Legalise it and start dealing with the real issues !
Dec 2016 | Jan 2017 | 23