McMillan’s Russell Broadbent was one of only two MPs from electorates which voted yes in the same sex marriage survey to stand against change last week.
On Thursday the Australian parliament passed an amendment to the marriage act to allow same sex marriage. Only four members of the House of Representatives voted no.
Here’s a list of the those MPs, along with their electorate’s results in the survey.
ADVERTISEMENT
Russell Broadbent – MP for McMillan
Liberal, Victoria
Yes: 62.7 per cent
No: 37.3 per cent
Bob Katter – MP for Kennedy
Katter’s Australian Party, Queensland
Yes: 46.7 per cent
No: 53.3 per cent
David Littleproud – MP for Maranoa
LNP, Queensland
Yes: 43.9 per cent
No: 56.1 per cent
Keith Pitt – MP for Hinkler
LNP, Queensland
Yes: 50.7 per cent
No: 49.3 per cent
ADVERTISEMENT
Vocal “no” campaigners Tony Abbott and George Christensen were reportedly among a large number of MPs who chose to abstain from the vote rather than acting against their electorate’s survey results.
Mr Broadbent had previously said he would ignore his electorate’s survey result, but it was unclear if he would abstain or vote no.
“I’m not unsure of how I will vote,” Mr Broadbent told ABC Gippsland’s Jonathon Kendall last month.
“I’ll either abstain or vote no, but it’s likely I’ll abstain.
“I will not be obstructionist, I understand and respect the will of the Australian people as voiced through this survey, but at the same time I have a long-held standing position on this.
“I expect the parliament… will respect the Australian vote, and it’s likely the representatives will probably vote 60/40 or 70/30 for the legislation.”
The percentage of MPs voting no ended up much smaller than Mr Broadbent predicted.
Russell,you’re a goner. I can’t believe the arrogance.
I received a merry xmas card from Russell B which is being posted straight back at my expense. I have no problem with him voting no as a personal vote however as a representative of his constituents he should have voted yes or abstained. He has lost me as a supporter on this issue . Very disappointed.
Could someone please inform this “out of touch” MP, who won’t acknowledge the will of his own electorate, to step aside (i.e. retire) and let someone else who actually wants to represent their electorate, have a go!
You are finished Broadbent
The article doesn’t mention the politicians who voted ‘yes’ in electorates that voted ‘no’
I admire Russell Broadbent for staying true to his personal belief, the people had their vote and Russell had his vote. I wonder if there would be as much outrage if his personal vote was yes. I know people who voted no and have been victimized and attacked after disclosing it.
“I expect the parliament will respect the Australian people’s vote…” Said Mr Broadbent above. His own words. So sir, you chose to NOT RESPECT the vote of the Australian people. Your only value in Canberra is what you could achieve for refugees on Manus. Use your last term wisely and go out with a bang. Get that done and you may just survive as an independent.
So much angst amongst your comments. Did any of you notice that eight, yes eight Labor MPs voted yes whose electorates voted a resounding no? Are you going to demand their resignation? If not why not?
And in case you had not noticed, the yes MPs have already gone back on their word to protect freedom of speech and religion as all amendments put up in Dean Smith’s Bill to cover this in parliament were voted down.
How is that for democracy?
How about all the Labor pollies from Sydney electorates who did not vote NO when the voters
stated NO. OR IS THAT TO MUCH TO EXPECT FROM YOUR PAPER
Hi Don,
Thanks for the comment/question.
In short: the Baw Baw Citizen covers Baw Baw, not Sydney.
This story’s focus was on the marriage equality survey and Mr Broadbent’s response to it.
We’re well aware of MPs voting yes when their electorates voted no. Given McMillan voted yes, Mr Broadbent voting yes against the electorate’s wishes would have been impossible. As such, those Sydney seats you mention are not directly relevant.
Best regards,
Will Kulich
Editor – Baw Baw Citizen