I always said this was an issue where the Australian people wanted their say and today’s result demonstrates that seeking their views was the right thing to do.
I congratulate the “yes” campaign on their achievement.
The people have spoken and, of course, the parliament should respect the result.
...I also thank the 4.7 million Australians who supported marriage between a man and a woman.
Both the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader have pledged their support for freedom of religion.
I look forward to a parliamentary process that improves on the Dean Smith bill to implement same sex marriage with freedom of conscience for all, not just the churches.
So far, this process has been a credit to us as a nation and now needs to be completed in a way that keeps us the best country in the world.