This body would be a balanced mix of genders and include a Youth and Disability Advisory Group.
“We’d very much like to thank the constructive way in which the government has engaged with the opposition,” Victorian Senator Jane Hume said.
The Coalition has confirmed it will back the legislation on a number of conditions, including that: Donations to both the ‘yes’ and ‘no’ campaigns will be tax deductible, official pamphlets will be distributed for both sides of the debate, and an education campaign on the referendum will be neutral.
“We want a vote, we just want a fair vote, we don’t want the scales tipped in one direction for a yes or no,” Nationals leader David Littleproud said.
With the Coalition confirming their support of the bill, Labor won’t need the Greens and crossbench to get it through parliament, effectively sidelining the minor party as it tries to make changes such as allowing people to enrol to vote on election day.
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“It’s extremely disappointing the government has decided not to consider crossbench amendments and instead has prioritised reaching an agreement with the opposition,” Greens Senator Larissa Waters said.
So far, Labor has allocated $75 million for preparations for the referendum, with another $160 million set aside in case it is needed.
The full cost will be detailed in the upcoming Budget.
