Following months of public division over same-sex marriage, the Turnbull government has decided to send its plan for a compulsory plebiscite back to the Senate and, when that likely fails, it will bypass the legislature with a voluntary postal plebiscite to decide if MPs get a free vote. Here's how it works.
What is the plan?
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After the compulsory attendance plebiscite is rejected by the Senate, as is all but certain, the government will move to hold a postal plebiscite through the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Ballots would be sent to the homes of all people enrolled to vote.
If the plebiscite results in a majority 'Yes' vote, Coalition MPs will be allowed a free vote in Parliament on a bill to legalise same-sex marriage. They will not be bound to vote in line with the result of the public ballot. If the plebiscite returns a majority 'No' result, the government will not allow a free vote, meaning MPs will remain bound to change, even if in opposition.
When would it happen?
Under a postal plebiscite, the government will seek to have ballots in letterboxes from September 12 and a result declared by November 15. This would enable a parliamentary vote by the end of the year.
If a compulsory attendance plebiscite overcame the odds and passed the Senate, it would be held on Saturday, November 25, leaving enough time for a parliamentary vote on gay marriage before the end of the year.
How much will a postal plebiscite cost?
$122 million, according to the government.
A postal vote in 1999 to elect delegates to the constitutional convention on the republic cost $40 million in today's dollars. A compulsory attendance plebiscite would cost up to $170 million.
Why is the Australian Electoral Commission not conducting the vote?
The government is conducting the vote as a "survey" through the ABS as it sees this as the best way of avoiding a legal challenge to its plan. Opponents of a plebiscite have said legal advice casts doubt on the government's ability to conduct a postal ballot without specific legislation.
Based on its own advice, the government says it has the power to ask the ABS to survey citizens without asking the Parliament's permission. Finance Minister Mathias Cormann says he has the power to appropriate up to $295 million for such a survey.
AEC employees will be seconded to the ABS to assist with the process.
