Australian Marriage Equality has welcomed the support of the Federal Member for Adelaide, Kate Ellis, who has confirmed she will vote in favour of marriage equality when the issue comes to a vote later in the year. Kate Ellis is the Minister for Employment Participation and the Minister for Early Childhood and Childcare, and is also member of the SDA (Shop, Distributive & Allied Employees Association).
“Minister Ellis is one of many high profile supporters of reform in the Labor party. Her support is representative of her electorate, the membership of the SDA, and Labor’s grass root supporters”.
Mr Greenwich said Ms Ellis’s support as an SDA endorsed MP is especially noteworthy as the SDA is lead by Joe De Bruyn who is one of the nation’s staunchest gay marriage opponents:
“Ms Ellis support shows that SDA endorsed MPs can and should back this reform”
“The union movement stands for fairness and equality, and the SDA’s membership is largely young Australians who work in the retail sector, and are one of the highest demographics of support for marriage equality”.
Mr Greenwich said the latest Galaxy polling showed 67% of South Australian supported marriage equality, as did 81% of Australians aged 18 to 24. (full polling details here)
Mr Greenwich said Ms Ellis support would be welcomed by the federal cabinet, where 13 of the 22 Ministers have publically indicated support including: Chris Evans, Simon Crean, Bob Carr, Stephen Smith, Anthony Albanese, Nicola Roxon, Jenny Macklin, Penny Wong, Peter Garrett, Tanya Plibersek, Bill Shorten, Mark Butler, and Brendan O’Connor. Mr Greenwich said a number of others were still undecided. (References of support statements can be found here)
“The campaign for equality continues to win over hearts and minds in the public and the parliament. Clearly the Prime Minister was correct when she said marriage equality is inevitable”. (full details here)
For Further information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335