Unions urge members to check roll and tick yes in marriage poll

Queensland Unions are urging members to check their enrolment and to vote ‘yes’ in the upcoming marriage equality postal survey.

Rolls close on 24 August and unions want to make sure that all those who want to have their say are on the electoral roll.

Queensland Council of Unions General Secretary Ros McLennan described the postal survey as “an unnecessary waste of taxpayers’ money” but said now that the survey was happening unions would be working to ensure a successful ‘yes’ result.

“The LNP didn’t need a postal survey before they changed the Act in 2004 to preclude same-sex couples. They should have the courage to do the job they were elected to do and allow a free vote in parliament,” said Ms McLennan.

The postal survey is scheduled for between 12 September and closes 7 November 2017. It comes about as the Senate again rejected the LNP push for a full plebiscite.

“Around $122 million will be spent on this non-binding survey,” said Ms McLennan.

“Members like Eric Abetz and other LNP politicians have said they will still vote “no” — no matter the result,” she said.

“Throughout this drawn-out and unnecessary campaign Queensland Unions will stand with our LGBTI comrades and call out the bigotry, abuse and hate that has already started because of Malcolm Turnbull’s craven kowtowing to the far-right wing of the Liberal National Party,” said Ms McLennan.

“We need to ensure that the answer that is given through this survey is clear so this issue is sorted once and for all. Queensland Unions are proud to stand with the ‘yes’ campaign because we know we don’t get to pick and choose who gets equality and equality is union business.”

Queensland Unions are encouraging all members to check their enrolment before rolls close Thursday 24 August. Enrolment can be checked at https://check.aec.gov.au/

“We will also be contacting members in the lead up to the close of the survey to ensure as many union members as possible have their say,” she said.