Terms of Reference

That the following matter be referred to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 16 September 2015:

The matter of a popular vote, in the form of a plebiscite or referendum, on the matter of marriage in Australia, with particular reference to:

  1. an assessment of the content and implications of a question to be put to electors;
  2. an examination of the resources required to enact such an activity, including the question of the contribution of Commonwealth funding to the 'yes' and 'no' campaigns;
  3. an assessment of the impact of the timing of such an activity, including the opportunity for it to coincide with a general election;
  4. whether such an activity is an appropriate method to address matters of equality and human rights;
  5. the terms of the Marriage Equality Plebiscite Bill 2015 currently before the Senate; and
  6. any other related matters.

Committee Secretariat contact:

Committee Secretary
Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

Phone: +61 2 6277 3560
legcon.sen@aph.gov.au