Same-sex marriage rattles Australia as cabinet remains split; Abbott to punish colleagues

The government slumped in polls following a split decision over gay marriage. In line with this, Prime Minister Tony Abbott has promised to sanction colleagues who will be leaking information from the federal cabinet. He also read the riot act to a wide coalition party and cabinet members on Tuesday.

On Monday night, the cabinet agreed to hold a popular vote on same-sex marriage following election but frontbench members appeared publicly divided about the mechanism, particularly whether it should be plebiscite or constitutional referendum. Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull countered that the vote should be done in this parliament term so the agenda will not drag on until next election.

Consequently, the prime minister said in the meeting that he had "read the riot act" regarding the information leakage although no specific leaks were mentioned. Furthermore, Mr Abbott clarified the government's position on same-sex marriage for the current term, saying that it supports traditional marriage.

The member for Gilmore, Ann Sudmalis, shared her thoughts on the matter, saying the Cabinet ministers were forfeiting people in marginal seats just to express their opinions in public. As she called on for unity, she told ABC: "I didn't take on this position to see my country's future frittered away. I just added some perspective on it from a marginal seat holder, saying that we've got a great message to take forward."

"We are actually doing the country good and that message has been lost and we need to work together," she added. Meanwhile, federal LNP backbencher Warren Entsch's same-sex marriage bill will be discussed briefly next month when the Parliament meets again.

A House of Representatives committee has scheduled discussion of the bill early September following Entsch's introduction of it earlier in the week. However, only two speakers will be allowed before the Federation Chamber, the secondary chamber to the House of Representatives. A total of five minutes have been awarded to both. To date, details as to whether the committee will allow more speakers over the matter and when remain unavailable. The decision whether it will proceed to a vote also remains unclear.

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