Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey

{{see also|History of same-sex marriage in Australia}}

Marriage in Australia is the constitutional province of the federal parliament. Its original legal definition was established by common law as "the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life."The definition is found in Hyde v Hyde (1866) {L.R.} 1 P. & D. 130 This definition was codified by the Marriage Amendment Act 2004, which inserted it verbatim into the Marriage Act 1961.{{cite web|url=http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C2004A01361|title=Marriage Amendment Act 2004|work=comlaw.gov.au|date=16 August 2004|access-date=24 May 2022|archive-date=9 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109042814/http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C2004A01361|url-status=live}}

At the time of the survey, same-sex unions in Australia were treated as de facto unions under federal law. These unions provide couples with most, though not all, of the legal rights of marriage, although those rights may be difficult to assert and are not always recognised in practice.{{cite news|last1=Elphick|first1=Liam|title=Do same-sex couples really have the same rights as married couples?|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/topics/sexuality/agenda/article/2017/09/14/do-same-sex-couples-really-have-same-rights-married-couples|access-date=15 September 2017|work=SBS News|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915203833/http://www.sbs.com.au/topics/sexuality/agenda/article/2017/09/14/do-same-sex-couples-really-have-same-rights-married-couples|archive-date=15 September 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/factcheck/2017-10-03/fact-check-same-sex-marriage-equality-lgbt-tony-abbott/8992846|title=Fact check: Do same-sex couples in a settled domestic relationship have the same rights as married couples?|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=3 October 2017|access-date=7 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007051300/http://www.abc.net.au/news/factcheck/2017-10-03/fact-check-same-sex-marriage-equality-lgbt-tony-abbott/8992846|archive-date=7 October 2017|df=dmy-all}} Aside from the legal aspects, de facto relationships do not have the same symbolic significance as marriage.{{cite web|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/parliamentary_business/committees/house_of_representatives_committees?url=spla/bill%20marriage/report/chapter3.htm|title=Advisory report on the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2012 and Marriage Amendment Bill 2012 : Chapter 3 Values in Australian society|date=18 June 2012|access-date=16 September 2017|publisher=Parliament of Australia|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916140601/http://www.aph.gov.au/parliamentary_business/committees/house_of_representatives_committees?url=spla%2Fbill%20marriage%2Freport%2Fchapter3.htm|archive-date=16 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} Before the July 2016 federal election, the Malcolm Turnbull-led Coalition government promised to hold a national vote on same-sex marriage in the form of a compulsory attendance plebiscite.{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/federal-election-2016/election-2016-samesex-marriage-plebiscite-hanging-by-a-thread-20160703-gpxb4q.html|title=Election 2016: Same-sex marriage plebiscite hanging by a thread|work=Fairfax Media|publisher=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=3 July 2016|author=Michael Koziol|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160706001002/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/federal-election-2016/election-2016-samesex-marriage-plebiscite-hanging-by-a-thread-20160703-gpxb4q.html|archive-date=6 July 2016|df=dmy-all}} Opposition to this idea centred on its criticism as an expensive delaying tactic and that it was the duty of the parliament, rather than a matter related to the Australian Constitution.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-33898720 |title=Senior Australian MP calls for gay marriage referendum |access-date=30 September 2017 |date=25 August 2015 |work=BBC News |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930091243/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-33898720 |archive-date=30 September 2017 |df=dmy-all }}

While the Coalition won 76 of the 150 seats in the lower house in the 2016 election and managed to form a majority government by one seat, they failed to pass the necessary legislation for a (compulsory attendance) referendum/plebiscite. The legislation passed the House of Representatives on 20 October 2016 by a vote of 76–67, but was rejected by the Senate on 7 November 2016 by a vote of 33–29.{{cite web|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/lanesainty/the-marriage-equality-plebiscite-bill-has-passed-the-house-o|title=The Marriage Equality Plebiscite Bill Has Passed The House Of Representatives|work=BuzzFeed News|date=20 October 2016|author=Lane Sainty|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170212065359/https://www.buzzfeed.com/lanesainty/the-marriage-equality-plebiscite-bill-has-passed-the-house-o|archive-date=12 February 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/nov/07/marriage-equality-plebiscite-bill-set-to-fail-as-nxt-vows-to-block-it-in-senate|title=Marriage equality plebiscite bill voted down in Senate|work=Guardian|date=7 November 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107224836/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/nov/07/marriage-equality-plebiscite-bill-set-to-fail-as-nxt-vows-to-block-it-in-senate|archive-date=7 November 2016|df=dmy-all}} The idea of a postal plebiscite was originally proposed by Liberal MP Warren Entsch and later endorsed by government ministers Peter Dutton and Mathias Cormann.{{cite news|last1=Knott|first1=Matthew|title=Peter Dutton working behind the scenes to legislate same-sex marriage before CEO spray|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/peter-dutton-working-behind-the-scenes-to-legislate-samesex-marriage-before-ceo-spray-20170320-gv2lcq.html|access-date=31 August 2017|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=22 March 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519204659/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/peter-dutton-working-behind-the-scenes-to-legislate-samesex-marriage-before-ceo-spray-20170320-gv2lcq.html|archive-date=19 May 2017|df=dmy-all}} Dutton pointed out that a postal vote would not need legislation to operate.{{cite news|last1=Knott|first1=Matthew |title=Same-sex marriage: Peter Dutton confirms push for a postal vote plebiscite|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/samesex-marriage-peter-dutton-confirms-push-for-a-postal-vote-plebiscite-20170322-gv4h1m.html |access-date=5 September 2017 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=23 March 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905075255/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/samesex-marriage-peter-dutton-confirms-push-for-a-postal-vote-plebiscite-20170322-gv4h1m.html|archive-date=5 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} A staffer of Attorney-General George Brandis came up with the idea of a survey as an alternative way to fulfil the government's commitment in mid-July.{{cite news|last1=Koziol|first1=Michael|title=The young staffer who saved the postal survey and gave Australia marriage equality|url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/the-young-staffer-who-saved-the-postal-survey-and-gave-australia-marriage-equality-20171117-gzn5pd.html|access-date=11 March 2018|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=17 November 2017|language=en|archive-date=11 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180311142700/https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/the-young-staffer-who-saved-the-postal-survey-and-gave-australia-marriage-equality-20171117-gzn5pd.html|url-status=live}} In August 2017, following an attempt by five Liberal Party MPs to change party policy and have a free vote in the parliament on same-sex marriage legislation,{{cite news|first=Joe|last=Spagnolo|url=http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/samesex-marriage-wa-liberal-senator-dean-smith-to-defy-prime-minister-malcolm-turnbull-with-bill/news-story/6097a88ce3c477f8c95f5f278c7e2ae5|title=Same-sex marriage: WA Liberal senator Dean Smith to defy Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull with bill|work=Perth Now|access-date=6 August 2017|date=6 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806062726/http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/samesex-marriage-wa-liberal-senator-dean-smith-to-defy-prime-minister-malcolm-turnbull-with-bill/news-story/6097a88ce3c477f8c95f5f278c7e2ae5|archive-date=6 August 2017|df=dmy-all}} the government announced it would move for a voluntary postal survey to be held later that year.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-08/same-sex-marriage-pm-moves-to-hold-postal-plebiscite-vote/8784822|title=Same-sex marriage: Malcolm Turnbull sets date for $122m postal vote as doomed plebiscite heads to the Senate|work=ABC News|date=8 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808155827/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-08/same-sex-marriage-pm-moves-to-hold-postal-plebiscite-vote/8784822|archive-date=8 August 2017|df=dmy-all}} It stated that the postal vote would only occur in the event the government's (compulsory) referendum/plebiscite legislation was again rejected by the Senate. That occurred on 9 August 2017, when a government-initiated motion in the Senate to debate the Plebiscite (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill 2016 was tied at 31–31; resulting in the motion being defeated.{{cite web|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/same-sex-marriage-high-court-challenge-to-be-lodged-against-postal-vote|title=Same-sex marriage: High Court challenge to be lodged against postal vote|work=SBS News|date=9 August 2017|access-date=25 March 2018|archive-date=15 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415155805/https://www.sbs.com.au/news/same-sex-marriage-high-court-challenge-to-be-lodged-against-postal-vote|url-status=live}}

Following the result in the Senate, the government directed the Australian Statistician (head of the Australian Bureau of Statistics) to begin the process of surveying the views on same-sex marriage of all Australians on the electoral roll.{{cite web|url=https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2017L01006|title=Census and Statistics (Statistical Information) Direction 2017|work=Federal Register of Legislation|date=9 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810014829/https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2017L01006|archive-date=10 August 2017}} The government asserted that this proposal did not require legislative approval from the parliament, arguing that the provisions of the Appropriations Act and the law governing the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) enabled it to use the ABS for such a purpose.{{cite web|url=https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2017L01006/Explanatory%20Statement/Text|title=Explanatory Statement: Census and Statistics (Statistical Information) Direction 2017|work=Federal Register of Legislation|date=9 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810014619/https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2017L01006/Explanatory%20Statement/Text|archive-date=10 August 2017}} This was argued by the government to be similar to the process by which God Save the Queen was replaced by Advance Australia Fair as the Australian national anthem.{{cite news|title=What is the High Court challenge to the same-sex marriage postal poll all about?|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-13/same-sex-marriage-postal-vote-challenge-explained/8801038|access-date=13 August 2017|work=ABC News|date=13 August 2017|language=en-AU|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813121915/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-13/same-sex-marriage-postal-vote-challenge-explained/8801038|archive-date=13 August 2017|df=dmy-all}} The government announced the ABS would be assisted by having staff seconded from the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), the organisation responsible for elections in Australia and managing the electoral roll.{{cite web|title=Press Conference with Senator the Hon. Mathias Cormann, Acting Special Minister of State|url=https://www.pm.gov.au/media/2017-08-08/press-conference-senator-hon-mathias-cormann-acting-special-minister-state|website=Prime Minister of Australia|access-date=10 August 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810132341/https://www.pm.gov.au/media/2017-08-08/press-conference-senator-hon-mathias-cormann-acting-special-minister-state|archive-date=10 August 2017|df=dmy-all}} The cost of the survey to the Australian taxpayer was forecast to be $122 million, however the total amount spent ended up being $80.5 million. This expense, as well as the notion that the debate would activate ideological extremists and that normal electoral rules would not apply, were criticised in Parliament.{{Cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-10/same-sex-marriage-labor-to-hold-pm-responsible-for-filth/8794580 |title=Same-sex marriage: Labor to hold PM responsible for 'every hurtful bit of filth … debate will unleash' |author=Louise Yaxley |access-date=26 August 2017 |date=11 August 2017 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825141839/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-10/same-sex-marriage-labor-to-hold-pm-responsible-for-filth/8794580 |archive-date=25 August 2017 |df=dmy-all }} By 7 September, the date the high court challenges against the survey were heard, a total of $14.1 million had already been spent by the ABS on the postal survey – $8 million on advertising for the survey, $5.3 million on printing costs, and $600,000 for staff.{{cite news|last1=Koziol|first1=Michael|title=Turnbull government discussing ways to hold postal survey even if it is rejected by High Court|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/turnbull-government-discussing-ways-to-hold-postal-survey-even-if-it-is-rejected-by-high-court-20170907-gycjh3|access-date=7 September 2017 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=7 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907062510/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/turnbull-government-discussing-ways-to-hold-postal-survey-even-if-it-is-rejected-by-high-court-20170907-gycjh3|archive-date=7 September 2017|df=dmy-all}}

The AEC reported that about 68,000 enrolment transactions were completed on 10 August, compared with an average of 4,000 per day.{{cite web|title=AEC's online enrolment check facility online and available|url=http://www.aec.gov.au/media/media-releases/2017/08-11.htm|website=Australian Electoral Commission |language=en-AU|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814182335/http://www.aec.gov.au/media/media-releases/2017/08-11.htm|archive-date=14 August 2017|df=dmy-all}} In the period 8–14 August over 16,000 people had enrolled, and over 200,000 had updated their details.{{cite web |title=The electoral roll increased by 16,990 between 8 & 14 August. 215,863 enrolment update transactions also processed in this timeframe #auspol |url=https://twitter.com/AusElectoralCom/status/897330948596838400 |website=@AusElectoralCom |publisher=Twitter.com |access-date=15 August 2017 |date=14 August 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115082712/https://twitter.com/AusElectoralCom/status/897330948596838400 |archive-date=15 November 2017 |df=dmy-all }} By 20 August, over 36,000 had enrolled, and over 434,000 had updated their enrolment details.{{cite web|title=The electoral roll increased by 36,769 between 8 & 20 August. 434,026 enrolment update transactions also processed in this timeframe #auspol|url=https://twitter.com/AusElectoralCom/status/899518579833360384|website=@AusElectoralCom|publisher=Twitter.com|access-date=21 August 2017|date=20 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821083052/https://twitter.com/auselectoralcom/status/899518579833360384|archive-date=21 August 2017|df=dmy-all}} By 22 August, over 54,000 had enrolled.{{cite web|title=The electoral roll has increased by 54,545 between 8 & 22 August. 577,879 total enrolment transactions processed in this timeframe #auspol|url=https://twitter.com/AusElectoralCom/status/900207968070897668|website=@AusElectoralCom|access-date=23 August 2017|date=22 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823044341/https://twitter.com/auselectoralcom/status/900207968070897668|archive-date=23 August 2017|df=dmy-all}} By 25 August the roll achieved a record high with over 16 million Australians on the roll (an additional 90,000 people had joined with a further 165,000 transactions still to be processed).{{cite web|title=16 million Australians enrolled – the largest roll since federation|url=http://www.aec.gov.au/media/media-releases/2017/08-25.htm |website=Australian Electoral Commission |access-date=25 August 2017|language=en-AU|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825142809/http://www.aec.gov.au/media/media-releases/2017/08-25.htm|archive-date=25 August 2017|df=dmy-all}} 65,000 of these new voters are between the ages of 18 and 24.{{cite news|title=Education Minister gives No campaigners dressing-down for linking SSM to Safe Schools|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-30/education-minister-simon-birmingham-denies-same-sex-marriage-wo/8855692|access-date=30 August 2017|work=ABC News|date=30 August 2017|language=en-AU|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830033753/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-30/education-minister-simon-birmingham-denies-same-sex-marriage-wo/8855692|archive-date=30 August 2017|df=dmy-all}} With 933,592 enrolment transactions completed by the AEC at the end of processing, more than 98,000 people were added to the roll, and the total number of Australians eligible to participate in the survey was 16,005,998.{{cite web|url=http://www.aec.gov.au/media/media-releases/2017/08-30.htm|title=Enrolment processing for the marriage survey completed |website=Australian Electoral Commission |publisher=AEC|language=en-AU|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831041057/http://www.aec.gov.au/media/media-releases/2017/08-30.htm|archive-date=31 August 2017|access-date=30 August 2017}} However, after the results of the survey were released, the ABS revealed that in fact 16,006,180 surveys were mailed out to eligible Australians.{{cite web|url=https://marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au/results/files/AMLPS_infographics.pdf|title=Infographic: Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey Results|date=15 November 2017| url-status =live | work=Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115001258/https://marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au/results/files/AMLPS_infographics.pdf|archive-date=15 November 2017}}

The Senate Finance and Public Administration References Committee opened a Public Inquiry into the arrangements around the postal survey on 14 August{{cite web|title=Senate Standing Committees on Finance and Public Administration; Arrangements for the postal survey|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Finance_and_Public_Administration/postalsurvey|website=www.aph.gov.au|language=en-AU|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216111149/https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Finance_and_Public_Administration/postalsurvey|archive-date=16 February 2018|df=dmy-all}} with a submission made and evidence given by the ABS at hearings on 17 August. Further hearings involving the ABS, AEC, Australia Post, Department of Finance and Department of Human Services occurred on 7 September and 15 September 2017. The committee handed down the final report on 13 February 2018. The report recommended that the survey process should not be used again for matters of human rights, encouraged the government to further fund mental health and LGBTIQ organisations to mitigate the impact of the postal survey, and recommended that the Australian Electoral Commission increase its voter registration and education efforts in remote communities and work with Indigenous peak bodies to achieve greater participation.{{cite web|url=https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Finance_and_Public_Administration/postalsurvey/~/media/Committees/fapa_ctte/postalsurvey/report.pdf|title=Report on the postal survey|work=Parliament of Australia|date=13 February 2018}}

Key dates relating to the survey were:{{cite web|url=https://marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au/key-dates|title=Key Dates: Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey|date=12 September 2017|website=marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au|publisher=Australian Bureau of Statistics|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024205434/https://marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au/key-dates|archive-date=24 October 2017|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|title=Same-sex marriage postal survey given green light|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-07/same-sex-marriage-postal-survey-greenlit-by-high-court/8881956|access-date=7 September 2017|work=ABC News|date=7 September 2017|language=en-AU|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907085201/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-07/same-sex-marriage-postal-survey-greenlit-by-high-court/8881956|archive-date=7 September 2017|df=dmy-all}}

• 24 August 2017: The final day for citizens to update or add their name and details to the electoral roll to receive a survey form
• 12 September 2017: Survey forms began to be mailed out to all Australian voters over a two-week period
• 25 September 2017: The date all survey forms were expected to have arrived, and eligible Australians could commence ordering replacement materials (for those lost or spoilt). The paperless options (online form and IVR telephony survey option) opened.
• 20 October 2017 (6{{nbsp}}pm local time): Requests for replacement material closed
• 27 October 2017: The date all eligible Australians were strongly encouraged to return their form by
• 7 November 2017 (6{{nbsp}}pm local time): Responses received after this date were not processed
• 15 November 2017 (10{{nbsp}}am AEDT): Statistics, and quality and integrity report released to the public

The results of the survey (including participation rates) were released at a national level, at a state and territory level and at an electorate level.

{{main|Wilkie v Commonwealth}}

Two legal challenges were lodged contesting the legality of the survey with the High Court of Australia, both on the grounds of unlawful funding from legally-specified funds and unlawful operation by the ABS. The first was by same-sex marriage advocates Shelley Argent (national spokeswoman of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) and Felicity Marlowe (member of Rainbow Families), along with independent MP Andrew Wilkie. They announced they would challenge the postal survey in the High Court on 9 August 2017 and seek a temporary injunction.{{cite news|first=Paul|last=Karp|access-date=9 August 2017|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/aug/09/marriage-equality-postal-vote-to-be-challenged-in-high-court-by-andrew-wilkie-and-advocates|title=Marriage equality postal vote to be challenged in high court by Andrew Wilkie and advocates|work=Guardian Australia|date=9 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809071131/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/aug/09/marriage-equality-postal-vote-to-be-challenged-in-high-court-by-andrew-wilkie-and-advocates|archive-date=9 August 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web |url=http://www.hcourt.gov.au/assets/cases/06-Melbourne/M105-2017/Wilkie_Plf.pdf |title=Submissions for Wilkie, Marlowe and Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays |via=Hcourt.gov.au |date=23 August 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824133202/http://www.hcourt.gov.au/assets/cases/06-Melbourne/M105-2017/Wilkie_Plf.pdf |archive-date=24 August 2017 |df=dmy-all }} The second challenge was by Australian Marriage Equality and Greens Senator Janet Rice.{{cite web|url=https://www.hrlc.org.au/news/2017/8/10/marriage-equality-campaign-launches-high-court-challenge|title=Marriage equality campaign launches High Court challenge against postal plebiscite|work=Human Rights Law Centre|date=10 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810171454/https://www.hrlc.org.au/news/2017/8/10/marriage-equality-campaign-launches-high-court-challenge|archive-date=10 August 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web |url=http://www.hcourt.gov.au/assets/cases/06-Melbourne/M105-2017/AME_Plf.pdf |title=Submissions for Australian Marriage Equality and Rice |via=Hcourt.gov.au |date=23 August 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824133208/http://www.hcourt.gov.au/assets/cases/06-Melbourne/M105-2017/AME_Plf.pdf |archive-date=24 August 2017 |df=dmy-all }}

An additional complaint was lodged by a 17-year-old boy with the Australian Human Rights Commission in August 2017, on the basis that the rules did not allow provisionally enrolled 16- and 17-year-old Australians the right to participate in the survey.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/aug/23/schoolboy-17-lodges-discrimination-complaint-over-same-sex-marriage-survey|title=Schoolboy, 17, lodges discrimination complaint over same-sex marriage survey|work=The Guardian|date=23 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824023531/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/aug/23/schoolboy-17-lodges-discrimination-complaint-over-same-sex-marriage-survey|archive-date=24 August 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://junkee.com/teen-court-marriage-survey/120106|title=Meet The Teen Who Wants To Take The Govt To Court Over The Marriage Survey|work=Junkee.com|date=25 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924142543/http://junkee.com/teen-court-marriage-survey/120106|archive-date=24 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} The complaint could have led to a federal court case to argue for the right of about 50,000 Australians aged 16 and 17 on the electoral roll to vote, however the boy dropped his complaint on 22 September, after a Greens amendment to the Marriage Law Survey (Additional Safeguards) Act 2017 was rejected by the Parliament earlier in the month.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/sep/25/schoolboy-drops-age-discrimination-complaint-against-same-sex-marriage-survey|title=Schooboy drops age discrimination complaint against same-sex marriage survey|work=The Guardian|date=25 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925063312/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/sep/25/schoolboy-drops-age-discrimination-complaint-against-same-sex-marriage-survey|archive-date=25 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} Legal counsel to the boy advised that the rejected amendment would make the age discrimination complaint much more difficult to argue, because parliament had considered and rejected extending the vote to enrolled 16- and 17-year-olds.

The High Court pronounced its orders in both cases on 7 September 2017. The court determined that the survey was lawful, allowing it to proceed as scheduled.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-07/same-sex-marriage-postal-survey-greenlit-by-high-court/8881956|title=SSM: High Court rules Government can run same-sex marriage postal survey|work=ABC News|date=7 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907085201/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-07/same-sex-marriage-postal-survey-greenlit-by-high-court/8881956|archive-date=7 September 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news | first1=Melissa | last1=Davey | first2=Paul | last2=Karp | url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/sep/07/same-sex-marriage-postal-survey-is-lawful-high-court-finds | title=Same-sex marriage postal survey is lawful, high court finds | work=Guardian | date=7 September 2017 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907053236/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/sep/07/same-sex-marriage-postal-survey-is-lawful-high-court-finds | archive-date=7 September 2017 | df=dmy-all }} The challengers were ordered to pay costs.{{cite news|first=Michael|last=Koziol|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/high-court-gives-the-green-light-to-turnbull-governments-samesex-marriage-survey-20170906-gybqm8.html|title=High Court gives the green light to the same-sex marriage survey |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=7 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907111705/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/high-court-gives-the-green-light-to-turnbull-governments-samesex-marriage-survey-20170906-gybqm8.html|archive-date=7 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} The High Court handed down its unanimous reasons on 28 September 2017, finding that $295 million had been appropriated by parliament, and that whether the expenditure was unforeseen was a matter for the Minister's satisfaction and there was no error of law in either his reasoning or his conclusion. The information to be collected was "statistical information" of matters prescribed in the Census and Statistics Regulation 2016 (Cth). As the court had considered and rejected the grounds of the application, there was no need to decide whether the plaintiffs had standing.{{cite AustLII|HCA|40|2017|litigants=Wilkie v Commonwealth; Australian Marriage Equality v Minister for Finance |link=Wilkie v Commonwealth |parallelcite= |courtname=High Court |date=28 September 2017}}.{{cite web |url=http://www.hcourt.gov.au/assets/publications/judgment-summaries/2017/hca-40-2017-09-28.pdf |title=Judgment summary |publisher=High Court |date=28 September 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928060036/http://www.hcourt.gov.au/assets/publications/judgment-summaries/2017/hca-40-2017-09-28.pdf |archive-date=28 September 2017 |df=dmy-all }}

The survey was conducted on a voluntary basis, with no requirement on the part of the eligible Australian to mail back the survey form. This led to concerns over a potentially low voter turnout/response rate and the prospect of Indigenous Australians in remote communities being unable to complete a survey.{{cite web|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/08/10/same-sex-marriage-how-vote-postal-plebiscite?cid=inbody:fears-indigenous-people-in-remote-areas-will-be-left-out-in-postal-plebiscite|title=Same-sex marriage: How to vote in the postal plebiscite|work=SBS News|date=10 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810205933/http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/08/10/same-sex-marriage-how-vote-postal-plebiscite?cid=inbody:fears-indigenous-people-in-remote-areas-will-be-left-out-in-postal-plebiscite|archive-date=10 August 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/08/10/fears-indigenous-people-remote-areas-will-be-left-out-postal-plebiscite|title=Fears Indigenous people in remote areas will be left out in postal plebiscite|work=SBS News|date=10 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810164037/http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/08/10/fears-indigenous-people-remote-areas-will-be-left-out-postal-plebiscite|archive-date=10 August 2017|df=dmy-all}} Concern had been expressed regarding: electors whose addresses were not visible on the electoral roll (known as silent electors);{{cite news | url = http://www.skynews.com.au/news/politics/federal/2017/08/16/silent-voters-to-vote-in-gay-marriage-survey.html | title = Silent voters to vote in gay marriage survey | date = 16 August 2017 | work = Sky News | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170821084329/http://www.skynews.com.au/news/politics/federal/2017/08/16/silent-voters-to-vote-in-gay-marriage-survey.html | archive-date = 21 August 2017 | df = dmy-all }} disenfranchisement in remote communities;{{cite news | url = http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/08/18/same-sex-marriage-postal-vote-remote-indigenous-towns-will-get-phone-or-online | first = James | last = Elton-Pym | title = Same-sex marriage postal vote: Remote Indigenous towns will get phone or online option | work = SBS | date = 18 August 2017 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170821013835/http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/08/18/same-sex-marriage-postal-vote-remote-indigenous-towns-will-get-phone-or-online | archive-date = 21 August 2017 | df = dmy-all }} Australians overseas;{{cite news | url = http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2017/08/17/postal-plebiscite-aussies-overseas-may-have-access-to-a-paperl_a_23080135/ | title = Postal Plebiscite: Aussies Overseas May Have Access To A 'Paperless Vote' | work = Huffington Post | date = 17 August 2017 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170821084910/http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2017/08/17/postal-plebiscite-aussies-overseas-may-have-access-to-a-paperl_a_23080135/ | archive-date = 21 August 2017 | df = dmy-all }} prisoners;{{cite news|last1=Workman|first1=Alice|title=Some Prisoners Will Be Allowed To Vote In The Same-Sex Marriage Postal Survey|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/aliceworkman/some-prisoners-will-be-allowed-to-vote-in-the-same-sex|work=BuzzFeed|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918033847/https://www.buzzfeed.com/aliceworkman/some-prisoners-will-be-allowed-to-vote-in-the-same-sex|archive-date=18 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} non-English speakers;{{cite news|title=Hasty Marriage Postal Survey Could Leave Non-English Speakers Voiceless|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/lanesainty/postal-survey-esl-voters|access-date=25 August 2017|work=BuzzFeed|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901134837/https://www.buzzfeed.com/lanesainty/postal-survey-esl-voters|archive-date=1 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} and young people.{{cite news | url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-09/why-the-abs-for-same-sex-marriage-postal-plebiscite/8786530 | title = Same-sex marriage: Why will the ABS be in charge of the postal plebiscite? | date = 9 August 2017 | work = ABC News | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170821061939/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-09/why-the-abs-for-same-sex-marriage-postal-plebiscite/8786530 | archive-date = 21 August 2017 | df = dmy-all }}{{cite news | url = http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/australians-who-might-not-be-able-to-vote/8794364 | work = ABC News | date = 10 August 2017 | title = Why some Aussies might not be able to vote on same-sex marriage | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171115082712/http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/australians-who-might-not-be-able-to-vote/8794364 | archive-date = 15 November 2017 | df = dmy-all }} Early criticism was also levelled at issues of privacy, with the recent census problems of 2016 being cited.{{cite news|last1=Barlow|first1=Karen|title=The Postal Vote On Same-Sex Marriage Is Now In Play|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2017/08/08/the-postal-vote-on-same-sex-marriage-is-now-in-play_a_23071280/?ncid=edlinkauhpmg00000004|work=Huffington Post|date=9 August 2017|language=en-AU|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823120026/http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2017/08/08/the-postal-vote-on-same-sex-marriage-is-now-in-play_a_23071280/?ncid=edlinkauhpmg00000004|archive-date=23 August 2017|df=dmy-all}} The ABS advised that survey responses would be anonymous and protected under the secrecy provisions of the Census and Statistics Act 1905.{{cite web|url=http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/D3310114.nsf/home/AMLPS+-+Process|title=Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey|website=www.abs.gov.au|publisher=Australian Bureau of Statistics|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825215732/http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/D3310114.nsf/home/AMLPS+-+Process|archive-date=25 August 2017|url-status=live|access-date=26 August 2017|df=dmy-all}} Prior to the survey commencing, former Privacy Commissioner Malcolm Crompton independently reviewed the ABS's privacy approaches and mitigations and announced he was suitably satisfied.{{Cite web|url=https://marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au/privacy-policy|title=Privacy Policy|last=ABS|date=1 September 2017|website=marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au|language=en|access-date=14 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914173004/https://marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au/privacy-policy|archive-date=14 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} The ABS also worked to address concerns with special strategies like paperless options (telephony and online form) and form drop off and pick up points in remote and capital city locations.{{cite web|url=http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/D3310114.nsf/home/AMLPS+-+Participation|title=Special Inclusions Strategies|website=www.abs.gov.au|publisher=Australian Bureau of Statistics|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826161051/http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/D3310114.nsf/home/AMLPS+-+Participation|archive-date=26 August 2017|url-status=live|access-date=26 August 2017|df=dmy-all}} Additionally, the bureau noted that Australians could also authorise a "trusted person" to complete the survey on their behalf. While any person could be appointed a "trusted person", the Chief Minister of the ACT, Andrew Barr offered to fulfil the role for any citizen.{{cite news|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/act-chief-minister-andrew-barr-offers-to-make-proxy-vote-for-anyone-in-plebiscite-20170823-gy2gho.html|title=ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr offers to make proxy vote for anyone in plebiscite|last=Lawson|first=Kirsten|date=23 August 2017|work=The Canberra Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024205015/http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/act-chief-minister-andrew-barr-offers-to-make-proxy-vote-for-anyone-in-plebiscite-20170823-gy2gho.html|archive-date=24 October 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/giulia-jones-says-marriage-about-men-growing-up-as-two-take-andrew-barr-up-on-proxy-vote-offer-20170824-gy38l4.html|title=Giulia Jones says marriage about 'men growing up' as two take Andrew Barr up on proxy vote offer|last=Burgess|first=Katie|date=24 August 2017|work=The Canberra Times|access-date=25 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825023721/http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/giulia-jones-says-marriage-about-men-growing-up-as-two-take-andrew-barr-up-on-proxy-vote-offer-20170824-gy38l4.html|archive-date=25 August 2017|df=dmy-all}} Auditors and an external observer process were established to assure the integrity of the process, though the observers are subject to a lifetime confidentiality agreement.{{cite news|last1=McGowan|first1=Michael|title=Same-sex marriage survey: count watchers bound by lifetime secrecy|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/oct/07/same-sex-marriage-survey-count-watchers-bound-by-lifetime-secrecy|access-date=7 October 2017|work=The Guardian|date=6 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006225549/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/oct/07/same-sex-marriage-survey-count-watchers-bound-by-lifetime-secrecy|archive-date=6 October 2017|df=dmy-all}} A quality and integrity report was published by the ABS alongside the release of the survey results. During the survey period, online sellers were contacted by the ABS asking them to remove ads by people offering to sell their postal survey or answer. The ABS advised that such an action would likely constitute an offence under the Census and Statistics Act 1905, the Commonwealth Criminal Code and the survey safeguards legislation passed by Parliament.{{cite news|last1=Sainty|first1=Lane|title=People Are Trying To Sell Their Same-Sex Marriage Survey Forms Online|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/lanesainty/people-selling-postal-survey-forms|access-date=9 September 2017|work=BuzzFeed|date=8 September 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909100653/https://www.buzzfeed.com/lanesainty/people-selling-postal-survey-forms|archive-date=9 September 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{Cite web|url=https://marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au/safeguards|title=Safeguards|last=ABS|date=14 September 2017|website=marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au|language=en|access-date=30 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930174825/https://marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au/safeguards|archive-date=30 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} The Digital Transformation Agency assisted the ABS with the paperless options for the survey, though due to the compressed timescale of the survey, concerns were anonymously raised by staff that the normal processes were not completed, such as sufficient user testing.{{cite news|title=Postal Survey Will Be "Census Fail 2.0", Say Public Servants Working On Online Voting|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/aliceworkman/postal-survey-will-be-census-fail-say-staff|access-date=12 September 2017|work=BuzzFeed|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912030805/https://www.buzzfeed.com/aliceworkman/postal-survey-will-be-census-fail-say-staff|archive-date=12 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} AWS was brought in on a tender process to assist in the security measures for the online survey.{{cite news|title=How The Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey Went Online|url=https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2018/04/how-the-australian-marriage-law-postal-survey-went-online/|access-date=14 May 2018|work=Lifehacker Australia|date=12 April 2018|language=en|archive-date=15 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180515043652/https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2018/04/how-the-australian-marriage-law-postal-survey-went-online/|url-status=live}} A telephone information hotline was established, and received 206,828 calls between 14 August 2017 and 7 November 2017.{{cite web|title=Main Features – Survey process|url=http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/1800.0#infoline|website=www.abs.gov.au|date=15 November 2017|language=en|access-date=18 December 2017|archive-date=8 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108204819/https://marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au/introduction#infoline|url-status=live}}

Unlike elections or referendums, there were no automatic special regulations relating to advertising requirements or prohibited content for the survey of the kind found in the Electoral Act.{{Cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-08/same-sex-marriage-push-for-anti-vilification-laws-ahead-of-vote/8883944|title=Political opponents unite for 'grace and kindness' in same-sex marriage ads|date=8 September 2017|work=ABC News|access-date=9 September 2017|language=en-AU|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908191850/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-08/same-sex-marriage-push-for-anti-vilification-laws-ahead-of-vote/8883944|archive-date=8 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} Consequently, the Government and Opposition engaged in negotiations to introduce legislation designed to replicate these types of regulations, as well as create measures to prevent vilification, intimidation, or threats to cause harm on the basis of the sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex status or the religious convictions of someone during the survey period.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-12/government-and-labor-agree-on-vilification-restrictions/8901592|title=Same-sex marriage: Government and Labor agree on laws to protect against 'vilification'|work=ABC News|date=12 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913095124/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-12/government-and-labor-agree-on-vilification-restrictions/8901592|archive-date=13 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} On 13 September, the government introduced the Marriage Law Survey (Additional Safeguards) Bill 2017 for these purposes in the Senate.{{cite web|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=s1092|title=Legislative Overview: Marriage Law Survey (Additional Safeguards) Bill 2017|work=Parliament of Australia|date=13 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913091705/http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=s1092|archive-date=13 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} The bill passed the Senate, after an amendment moved by Greens leader Richard Di Natale to allow 16- and 17-year-olds the right to participate in the survey was defeated. The bill immediately proceeded to and was passed by the House of Representatives. The bill received royal assent on 13 September and went into effect the following day.{{cite web|url=https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2017A00096/36146597-0813-44c6-a0f6-77e73064c1c4|title=Marriage Law Survey (Additional Safeguards) Act 2017|work=Federal Register of Legislation|date=14 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914125121/https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2017A00096/36146597-0813-44c6-a0f6-77e73064c1c4|archive-date=14 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} The act's provisions automatically expired on 15 November 2017. Neither the "Yes" or "No" campaign received public funding in the survey, as was envisioned for a compulsory attendance plebiscite.{{cite web|url=http://www.outinperth.com/pm-says-postal-surveys-lack-legal-protections-okay/|title=PM says postal survey's lack of legal protections is not a concern|work=OutinPerth|date=10 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810114124/http://www.outinperth.com/pm-says-postal-surveys-lack-legal-protections-okay/|archive-date=10 August 2017|df=dmy-all}} Prime Minister Turnbull also ruled out a ban on foreign donations for the survey.{{cite news|title=No ban on foreign donations for gay marriage vote, government says|url=http://www.afr.com/news/no-ban-on-foreign-donations-for-gay-marriage-vote-government-says-20170824-gy30mk|access-date=25 August 2017|work=Australian Financial Review |date=24 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826072615/http://www.afr.com/news/no-ban-on-foreign-donations-for-gay-marriage-vote-government-says-20170824-gy30mk|archive-date=26 August 2017|df=dmy-all}}

All Australians whose names are on the electoral roll or had applied to be put on the roll before 24 August 2017 were mailed a survey form and enrolled Australians living overseas along with those in certain special categories were entitled to complete a survey using paperless methods.{{cite web|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/08/10/unenrolled-voters-have-14-days-register-same-sex-marriage-postal-plebiscite|title=Unenrolled voters have 14 days to register before same-sex marriage postal plebiscite|work=SBS News|date=10 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810172057/http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/08/10/unenrolled-voters-have-14-days-register-same-sex-marriage-postal-plebiscite|archive-date=10 August 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/D3310114.nsf/home/AMLPS+-+Process|title=Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey Rules|website=www.abs.gov.au|publisher=Australian Bureau of Statistics|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825215732/http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/D3310114.nsf/home/AMLPS+-+Process|archive-date=25 August 2017|url-status=live|access-date=30 August 2017|df=dmy-all}} The AEC made a statement that provisionally-enrolled 16- and 17-year-olds would not be posted a survey form{{cite web|title=Marriage law survey – 16 and 17 year olds|url=http://www.aec.gov.au/media/media-releases/2017/08a-11.htm |website=Australian Electoral Commission |access-date=13 August 2017|language=en-AU|date=11 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813143739/http://www.aec.gov.au/media/media-releases/2017/08a-11.htm|archive-date=13 August 2017|df=dmy-all}} and an amended direction was later issued by the Government to the Australian Statistician making this clear.{{cite web|url=http://www.financeminister.gov.au/media-release/2017/08/16/confirming-eligibility-participate-marriage-law-postal-survey|title=Confirming eligibility to participate in the Marriage Law Postal Survey {{!}} Minister for Finance|website=www.financeminister.gov.au|publisher=Minister for Finance|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828150716/http://www.financeminister.gov.au/media-release/2017/08/16/confirming-eligibility-participate-marriage-law-postal-survey|archive-date=28 August 2017|url-status=live|access-date=28 August 2017|df=dmy-all}} This direction was subject to a Human Rights Commission complaint by a 17-year-old boy, which was later withdrawn.{{cite news|last1=Karp|first1=Paul|title=Schoolboy, 17, lodges discrimination complaint over same-sex marriage survey|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/aug/23/schoolboy-17-lodges-discrimination-complaint-over-same-sex-marriage-survey|access-date=24 August 2017|work=The Guardian|date=23 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824023531/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/aug/23/schoolboy-17-lodges-discrimination-complaint-over-same-sex-marriage-survey|archive-date=24 August 2017|df=dmy-all}}

More than 16 million letters were sent from 12 September over almost two weeks (with all delivered by 25 September) and silent electors' packages were sent by the AEC and delivered by the end of September.{{Cite web|url=https://marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au/postal-forms|title=Your postal survey|last=ABS|date=1 September 2017|website=marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au|language=en|access-date=26 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911130228/https://marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au/postal-forms|archive-date=11 September 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/AusElectoralCom/status/912541783774584832|title=Silent electors should expect to receive the survey by the end of Sept. If you don't then call the AEC on 02 6271 4441|last=AEC|date=25 September 2017|website=@AusElectoralCom|language=en|access-date=26 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115082712/https://twitter.com/AusElectoralCom/status/912541783774584832|archive-date=15 November 2017|df=dmy-all}} After several "Yes" respondents posted images of their complete forms on social media, the ABS cautioned participants to not photograph their form barcodes, so as to prevent any fraudulent conduct. Additionally, survey forms could be invalidated in the event the question was rephrased by the participant or the barcode was obscured or removed.{{cite news|title=Don't Post Pictures Of Your Entire Same-Sex Marriage Survey Form Online, Says ABS|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/lanesainty/dont-gram-it-my-dudes|date=13 September 2017|work=BuzzFeed|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913093504/https://www.buzzfeed.com/lanesainty/dont-gram-it-my-dudes|archive-date=13 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} The ABS issued several examples of what constituted a valid and invalid response (such as marking both boxes "Yes" and "No" or crossing out one of the words on the form).{{cite web|url=https://marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au/sites/default/files/abs2093_marriage_law_-_survey_question_markings_v3.pdf|title=How To Complete Your Survey|date=12 September 2017|work=Australian Bureau of Statistics|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914124957/https://marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au/sites/default/files/abs2093_marriage_law_-_survey_question_markings_v3.pdf|archive-date=14 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} The ABS advised Australians who received extra survey forms, addressed to the previous occupant who failed to update their electoral details, to write on the front of the envelope "return to sender" and send it back.{{cite news|title=What to do when an extra same-sex marriage survey form lands in your mailbox|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-15/same-sex-marriage-extra-survey-form-lands-in-the-mailbox/8950588|access-date=15 September 2017|work=ABC News|date=15 September 2017|language=en-AU|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915085614/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-15/same-sex-marriage-extra-survey-form-lands-in-the-mailbox/8950588|archive-date=15 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} In Australia, it is illegal to open mail addressed to another person.{{Cite web|url=https://marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au/faq|title=FAQ|last=ABS|date=1 September 2017|website=marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au|language=en|access-date=30 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002142119/https://marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au/faq|archive-date=2 October 2017|df=dmy-all}} In the rare instance of multiple responses being received from an individual, the ABS noted that only the last valid response could expect to be counted.{{cite news|title=Same-sex marriage survey: Concerns over people boasting of multiple votes|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/09/14/same-sex-marriage-survey-concerns-over-people-boasting-multiple-votes|access-date=17 September 2017|work=SBS News|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916225513/http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/09/14/same-sex-marriage-survey-concerns-over-people-boasting-multiple-votes|archive-date=16 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} On 25 September, the ABS confirmed that all survey forms had been mailed to eligible voters and outlined the process for additional forms to be sent to people who did not receive, lost or spoilt their form.{{cite web|url=https://marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au/media-releases/have-you-received-your-survey|title=Media Release – Have You Received Your Marriage Law Survey?|date=25 September 2017|work=Australian Bureau of Statistics|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925225747/https://marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au/media-releases/have-you-received-your-survey|archive-date=25 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} The ABS also confirmed that a change of mind was not a valid reason for requesting a new form.{{Cite web|url=https://marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au/faq|title=FAQ|last=ABS|date=1 September 2017|website=marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au|language=en|access-date=26 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926235555/https://marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au/faq|archive-date=26 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} Both the "Yes" and "No" campaigns provided 60 observers to the ABS counting process,{{cite web|title=External observers {{!}} Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey|url=https://marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au/results/observers.html|website=marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au|publisher=Australian Bureau of Statistics|access-date=19 November 2017|language=en|archive-date=15 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115004917/https://marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au/results/observers.html|url-status=dead}} who examined 606,991 survey results. Fewer than 500 survey forms were reported as issues to the ABS during the survey.{{cite web|title=Quality and integrity statement {{!}} Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey|url=https://marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au/results/quality.html|website=marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au|publisher=ABS|access-date=19 November 2017|language=en|archive-date=15 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115004640/https://marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au/results/quality.html|url-status=dead}}

On 28 September, the ABS announced that it would release weekly national estimates of the total number of survey responses received, beginning from 3 October 2017 and ending 7 November. The primary input to the first three weekly estimates, issued at the National level only, was Australia Post's assessment of the number of containers of sorted envelopes rather than counts of individual forms. Adjustments were made based on factors such as responses received through other channels and an allowance for forms that are damaged or invalid. From the fourth estimate, released on 24 October 2017, the ABS changed the estimation method to use the counts of processed forms. This led to an increase in estimated turnout to 74.5% of the population, up 7.0% on the previous week, despite only 300,000 new responses, or 1.9% of the total, being received during that timeframe.{{cite web|url=https://marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au/media-releases/abs-publish-weekly-estimate-marriage-law-postal-surveys-received|title=Media Release – ABS to publish weekly estimate of Marriage Law Postal Surveys received|work=Australian Bureau of Statistics|date=28 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928150148/https://marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au/media-releases/abs-publish-weekly-estimate-marriage-law-postal-surveys-received|archive-date=28 September 2017|df=dmy-all}}

File:Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey form.png

The survey form asked respondents: "Should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?". The survey offered two one-word responses: "yes" or "no".

The government did not release a draft bill legalising same-sex marriage prior to the survey, which led to uncertainty over what form legislation would take in the event of a "Yes" verdict.{{cite web|url=https://theconversation.com/talk-of-same-sex-marriage-impinging-on-religious-freedom-is-misconceived-heres-why-82435|title=Talk of same-sex marriage impinging on religious freedom is misconceived: here's why|last1=Johnson|first1=Carol|last2=Maddox|first2=Marion|date=28 August 2017|website=The Conversation|language=en|access-date=28 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828001253/http://theconversation.com/talk-of-same-sex-marriage-impinging-on-religious-freedom-is-misconceived-heres-why-82435|archive-date=28 August 2017|df=dmy-all}} The wording of an exposure draft of a same-sex marriage bill from early 2017, released by the Attorney-General's office, proposed to amend the definition of "marriage" and replace the terms "man" and "woman" with the gender neutral phrase "two people".{{cite web|url=http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/publications/tabledpapers/2b2b575d-4317-40ae-9eb3-027e8f666ff0/upload_pdf/Exposure%20draft%20of%20the%20Marriage%20Amendment%20(same-sex%20marriage)%20bill.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf#search=%22publications/tabledpapers/2b2b575d-4317-40ae-9eb3-027e8f666ff0%22|title=Select Committee on the Exposure Draft of the Marriage Amendment (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill|date=February 2017|work=Parliament House, Canberra|access-date=29 August 2017|archive-date=31 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331220207/https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/publications/tabledpapers/2b2b575d-4317-40ae-9eb3-027e8f666ff0/upload_pdf/Exposure%20draft%20of%20the%20Marriage%20Amendment%20%28same-sex%20marriage%29%20bill.pdf%3BfileType%3Dapplication/pdf#search=%22publications/tabledpapers/2b2b575d-4317-40ae-9eb3-027e8f666ff0%22|url-status=live}} The proposed wording "two people"{{cite news|url=http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/legislation/bills/s1099_first-senate/toc_pdf/1725720.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf|title=Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017|author=Senator Smith|work=The Senate: Parliament House Canberra|date=15 November 2017|access-date=20 November 2017|archive-date=17 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517010846/http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/legislation/bills/s1099_first-senate/toc_pdf/1725720.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf|url-status=live}} differed from the wording of the survey question, which referred explicitly to "same-sex couples".{{cite news|url=http://junkee.com/mark-latham-is-wrong-again/120733|title=Mark Latham's Marriage Equality Rant Accidentally Raises An Important Issue|author=Langford, Sam|date=29 August 2017|work=Junkee|access-date=29 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829123057/http://junkee.com/mark-latham-is-wrong-again/120733|archive-date=29 August 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/opinion/mark-latham-samesex-yes-vote-will-open-a-can-of-worms/news-story/248eb22253826ed116f51eb08c353a48 |title=Same-Sex yes vote will open a can of worms |first1=Mark |last1=Latham |author-link=Mark Latham |date=29 August 2017 |work=Daily Telegraph |access-date=29 August 2017 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=30 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200530085410/https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=DTWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailytelegraph.com.au%2Fnews%2Fopinion%2Fmark-latham-samesex-yes-vote-will-open-a-can-of-worms%2Fnews-story%2F248eb22253826ed116f51eb08c353a48&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&nk=e5d5058ac7057e79464745f2c4e0dccd-1590828850 |url-status=live }}

Liberal Senator Dean Smith, who drafted a same-sex marriage bill in August 2017, argued his bill struck a "fair balance" in protecting the rights of same-sex couples and the religious freedoms of celebrants.{{cite web|url=https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/anti-same-sex-mps-give-pm-a-headache-ng-b88641957z|title=Same-sex marriage bill: conservative MPs warn Malcolm Turnbull there could be up to 100 amendments|work=The West Australian|date=30 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031080327/https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/anti-same-sex-mps-give-pm-a-headache-ng-b88641957z|archive-date=31 October 2017|df=dmy-all}} The bill allows current civil celebrants to become religious celebrants and refuse to perform same sex marriages, and incorporates parts of the Sex Discrimination Act, to allow religious organisations to refuse their services for same-sex marriages.{{cite news|last1=Karp|first1=Paul|title=Greens ready to back Dean Smith marriage equality bill as consensus option|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/nov/11/greens-ready-to-back-dean-smith-marriage-equality-bill-as-consensus-option|access-date=13 November 2017|work=The Guardian|date=10 November 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171112080446/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/nov/11/greens-ready-to-back-dean-smith-marriage-equality-bill-as-consensus-option|archive-date=12 November 2017|df=dmy-all}} Smith's bill was formally backed by the Labor Party parliamentary caucus on 17 October 2017.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/oct/17/labor-rules-out-extra-religious-freedoms-in-same-sex-marriage-bill|title=Labor rules out extra religious freedoms in same-sex marriage bill|work=The Guardian|date=17 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171025031655/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/oct/17/labor-rules-out-extra-religious-freedoms-in-same-sex-marriage-bill|archive-date=25 October 2017|df=dmy-all}} However, conservative MPs in the government responded by suggesting up to 100 amendments to the bill may be needed if the "Yes" vote carried.

A rival bill was released on 13 November by Liberal Senator James Paterson, a conservative supporter of same-sex marriage.{{cite news|last1=Benson|first1=Simon|title=Conservative Libs to offer new gay marriage bill|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/conservative-libs-to-offer-new-gay-marriage-bill/news-story/be94b1f9a0b5f454f9a42c761f3b5535|access-date=13 November 2017|work=www.theaustralian.com.au|date=13 November 2017|archive-date=30 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200530085411/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=TAWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fnational-affairs%2Fconservative-libs-to-offer-new-gay-marriage-bill%2Fnews-story%2Fbe94b1f9a0b5f454f9a42c761f3b5535&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&nk=6c9cda8bb14b2492171f3f6d390f3c14-1590828851|url-status=live}} The bill contained various protections allowing the refusal of same-sex weddings by anyone who holds a religious or "conscientious belief" against same-sex marriage, including private service providers such as florists and bakers.{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-13/alternative-same-sex-marriage-bill-explainer/9143578|title=Same-sex marriage: Why has Senator James Paterson written an alternative bill?|author=Collett, Michael|date=13 November 2017|work=ABC News|access-date=13 November 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113042839/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-13/alternative-same-sex-marriage-bill-explainer/9143578|archive-date=13 November 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/nov/13/rival-same-sex-marriage-bill-to-trigger-coalition-showdown|title=Rival same-sex marriage bill to trigger Coalition showdown|work=The Guardian|date=13 November 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113011030/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/nov/13/rival-same-sex-marriage-bill-to-trigger-coalition-showdown|archive-date=13 November 2017|df=dmy-all}} Prime Minister Turnbull reacted negatively to Paterson's bill, saying the government "would not countenance" supporting a bill which discriminated against same-sex weddings and that the bill would have "virtually no prospect of getting through the Parliament".{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/nov/14/turnbull-flatly-rejects-same-sex-marriage-bill-that-legalises-discrimination|title=Turnbull flatly rejects same-sex marriage bill that legalises discrimination|work=The Guardian|date=14 November 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114065839/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/nov/14/turnbull-flatly-rejects-same-sex-marriage-bill-that-legalises-discrimination|archive-date=14 November 2017|df=dmy-all}} It was dropped by Senator Paterson within hours of the "Yes" vote being released.{{Cite news|url=https://theconversation.com/australians-vote-overwhelmingly-to-legalise-same-sex-marriage-87507|title=Australians vote overwhelmingly to legalise same-sex marriage|last=Grattan|first=Michelle|work=The Conversation|access-date=2017-11-17|language=en|archive-date=17 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117174803/https://theconversation.com/australians-vote-overwhelmingly-to-legalise-same-sex-marriage-87507|url-status=live}}

{{main|Endorsements in the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey}}

Each of the political parties represented in the Australian Parliament held formalised positions on same-sex marriage and on the merits of the survey. The Australian Labor Party formally supported the legalisation of same-sex marriage, though offered its MPs a conscience vote on same-sex marriage legislation until 2019.{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-07-26/labor-party-national-conference-same-sex-marriage-vote/6648834 |title=Labor Party agrees to maintain conscience vote on same-sex marriage for next two terms of government |work=ABC News |date=26 July 2015 |access-date=12 August 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812064300/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-07-26/labor-party-national-conference-same-sex-marriage-vote/6648834 |archive-date=12 August 2017 |df=dmy-all }} The Liberal Party pledged to hold a national vote of some kind before any change to the law, though the party had no official position on the survey question, hence MPs (including Cabinet members) were to free to campaign for either side.{{cite web |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/malcolm-turnbulls-team-off-samesex-marriage-plebiscite-trail/news-story/75508baa61b9c7ca5eae8f6946fd558e |title=Turnbull's team off on the same-sex marriage plebiscite trail |work=The Australian |date=12 August 2017 |url-access=subscription |access-date=12 August 2017 |archive-date=30 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200530085526/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=TAWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fnational-affairs%2Fmalcolm-turnbulls-team-off-samesex-marriage-plebiscite-trail%2Fnews-story%2F75508baa61b9c7ca5eae8f6946fd558e&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&nk=f328a9bc84e7c5d9134264d3fa2f1f79-1590828926 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|title=MPs may ignore electorates with lowest support for same-sex marriage|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-13/same-sex-marriage-traditional-electorates-may-be-ignored-by-mps/8941410|access-date=14 September 2017|work=ABC News|date=13 September 2017|language=en-AU|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914100555/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-13/same-sex-marriage-traditional-electorates-may-be-ignored-by-mps/8941410|archive-date=14 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} All politicians were entitled to use their electoral printing and communications budgets in the campaign.{{cite news|title=Here's How Millions In Taxpayer Money Could Be Used On The "Yes" And "No" Same-Sex Marriage Campaigns|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/lanesainty/millions-in-taxpayer-money-for-postal-campaign|access-date=14 August 2017|work=BuzzFeed|date=10 August 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901134857/https://www.buzzfeed.com/lanesainty/millions-in-taxpayer-money-for-postal-campaign|archive-date=1 September 2017|df=dmy-all}}

File: Melbourne Rally for Marriage Equality 2017 (35976256214).jpg

The campaign for supporting voting in favour of same-sex marriage in the survey received support from Labor,{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/labor-to-campaign-for-yes-on-same-sex-marriage/8796468|title=Labor to campaign for 'yes' on same-sex marriage despite opposition to postal vote: Dreyfus|date=11 August 2017|website=Radio National|access-date=2 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115082744/http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/labor-to-campaign-for-yes-on-same-sex-marriage/8796468|archive-date=15 November 2017|df=dmy-all}} the Liberals for yes campaign,{{cite news|last1=Hutchens|first1=Gareth|title=Nick Greiner denounces 'religious freedom' argument against marriage equality|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/aug/28/claiming-marriage-equality-threatens-religious-freedom-is-misleading-says-liberal-president|access-date=28 August 2017|work=The Guardian|date=27 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828033257/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/aug/28/claiming-marriage-equality-threatens-religious-freedom-is-misleading-says-liberal-president|archive-date=28 August 2017|df=dmy-all}} and four minor political parties represented in the Federal parliament, and from prominent lobby groups including Australian Marriage Equality and GetUp!.{{cite web | title='The country is saying yes to me': Australians celebrate vote in support of same-sex marriage | website=CBC | date=15 November 2017 | url=https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as-it-happens-wednesday-edition-1.4403187/the-country-is-saying-yes-to-me-australians-celebrate-vote-in-support-of-same-sex-marriage-1.4403195 | access-date=20 August 2023}}{{cite web | title=Gay marriage advocates prepare for Australian postal vote | website=NBC News | date=11 September 2017 | url=https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/gay-marriage-advocates-prepare-australian-postal-vote-n800436 | access-date=20 August 2023}}

The campaign advocating voting against changing the marriage laws in the survey was supported by the Nationals and three minor parties represented in the Federal parliament. Several groups opposed to same-sex marriage, including the Australian Christian Lobby and the Marriage Alliance, formed the Coalition for Marriage to co-ordinate the "No" campaign.{{cite web |url=https://www.coalitionformarriage.com.au/partners |title=Coalition for marriage partners |access-date=26 August 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826074139/https://www.coalitionformarriage.com.au/partners |archive-date=26 August 2017 |df=dmy-all }}{{cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/gay-marriage-lobby-holds-the-aces-but-the-silent-majority-is-stirring/news-story/5674027d4f524b692d49f6b8f40415c3|title=Gay marriage lobby holds the aces, but the silent majority is stirring|date=14 August 2017|access-date=19 August 2017|work=news.com.au|publisher=News Corp Australia|first=Miranda|last=Devine|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819144321/http://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/gay-marriage-lobby-holds-the-aces-but-the-silent-majority-is-stirring/news-story/5674027d4f524b692d49f6b8f40415c3|archive-date=19 August 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-14/coalition-of-marriage-calls-itself-voice-for-the-silent-majority/8805558|title=Same-sex marriage: Coalition for Marriage joins No campaign, says it is voice for 'silent majority'|work=ABC News|access-date=19 August 2017|date=14 August 2017|first=Katherine|last=Gregory|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819045916/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-14/coalition-of-marriage-calls-itself-voice-for-the-silent-majority/8805558|archive-date=19 August 2017|df=dmy-all}}

The Liberal Party of Australia did not hold a position either way in the survey.

{{main|Public opinion of same-sex marriage in Australia}}

Opinion polls in Australia over several years in the lead-up to the survey indicated a comfortable majority of Australians supported same-sex marriage.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/aug/26/inside-the-marriage-equality-campaign-you-dont-want-to-talk-exclusively-to-your-bubble |title=Inside the marriage equality campaign: 'You don't want to talk exclusively to your bubble' |author=Paul Karp |access-date=26 August 2017 |date=26 August 2017 |work=The Guardian |publisher=Guardian News and Media |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826014545/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/aug/26/inside-the-marriage-equality-campaign-you-dont-want-to-talk-exclusively-to-your-bubble |archive-date=26 August 2017 |df=dmy-all }}{{cite web|url=http://www.essentialvision.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Essential-Report_170704.pdf|date=4 July 2017|work=Essential Media Communications|title=The Essential Report: 4 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809040551/http://www.essentialvision.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Essential-Report_170704.pdf|archive-date=9 August 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.roymorgan.com/findings/6707-australian-views-on-gay-marriage-february-march-2016-201607191635|title=Large majority of Australians (76%) in favour of allowing gay marriage|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809043926/http://www.roymorgan.com/findings/6707-australian-views-on-gay-marriage-february-march-2016-201607191635|archive-date=9 August 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.afr.com/news/politics/fairfaxipsos-poll-gay-marriage-support-at-record-20150614-ghnjhi|title=Fairfax/Ipsos poll: Gay marriage support at record|publisher=Australian Financial Review |author=Phillip Coorey|date=16 June 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729194457/http://www.afr.com/news/politics/fairfaxipsos-poll-gay-marriage-support-at-record-20150614-ghnjhi|archive-date=29 July 2015|df=dmy-all}} A Guardian Essential poll conducted just prior to the announcement of the postal survey indicated that 43% approved of a postal vote and 38% disapproved,{{cite news|last1=Murphy|first1=Katharine|title=Marriage equality: voters want issue settled before election – Guardian Essential poll|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/aug/08/marriage-equality-voters-want-issue-settled-before-election-guardian-essential-poll|access-date=21 August 2017|work=The Guardian|date=8 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821050351/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/aug/08/marriage-equality-voters-want-issue-settled-before-election-guardian-essential-poll|archive-date=21 August 2017|df=dmy-all}} whereas a week later, 39% approved of the postal survey and 47% disapproved of it.{{cite news|last1=Murphy|first1=Katharine|title=Public mood turns against marriage equality postal vote, poll shows|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/aug/15/public-mood-turns-against-marriage-equality-postal-vote-poll-shows|access-date=21 August 2017|work=The Guardian|date=15 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819035209/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/aug/15/public-mood-turns-against-marriage-equality-postal-vote-poll-shows|archive-date=19 August 2017|df=dmy-all}} A small boycott movement existed, although most same sex marriage campaigners who were against a national vote on same-sex marriage urged participation in the postal survey.{{cite news|last1=Sainty|first1=Lane|title=Some LGBT People Are Boycotting The Same-Sex Marriage Survey|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/lanesainty/boycotting-the-postal-survey|access-date=2 November 2017|work=BuzzFeed|date=30 October 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030152459/https://www.buzzfeed.com/lanesainty/boycotting-the-postal-survey|archive-date=30 October 2017|df=dmy-all}} Some informal responses to the survey were intended as a protest vote.{{cite news|title=Here's Everything That Happened On The First Day Of The Senate's Same-Sex Marriage Debate|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeednews/australia-same-sex-marriage-survey|access-date=19 November 2017|work=BuzzFeed|language=en|archive-date=19 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171119115018/https://www.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeednews/australia-same-sex-marriage-survey|url-status=live}}

File:Rainbow ACTION bus September 2017.jpg as support from the ACT Government for the city's LGBTIQ community during the survey period.{{cite news|last1=Burgess|first1=Kate|title=The ACT's new rainbow buses revealed to promote same-sex marriage 'yes' case|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/the-acts-new-rainbow-buses-revealed-to-promote-samesex-marriage-yes-case-20170829-gy67dy.html|access-date=28 September 2017|work=The Canberra Times|date=29 August 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829120201/http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/the-acts-new-rainbow-buses-revealed-to-promote-samesex-marriage-yes-case-20170829-gy67dy.html|archive-date=29 August 2017|df=dmy-all}}]]

File:Sydney Town Hall illuminated in support of Vote Yes.jpg illuminated in pride colours and flying a rainbow flag in support of the "Yes" vote.]]

The Government of the Australian Capital Territory and several local governments such as the City of Sydney took official positions supporting the "Yes" campaign.{{cite news|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/act-same-sex-marriage-campaign-to-cost-45000-20170824-gy32qs.html|title=ACT same-sex marriage campaign to cost $45,000|author=Burdon, Daniel|date=24 August 2017|work=The Canberra Times|access-date=26 August 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826105211/http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/act-same-sex-marriage-campaign-to-cost-45000-20170824-gy32qs.html|archive-date=26 August 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|last1=Karp|first1=Paul|title=City of Sydney to urge yes vote in marriage equality survey|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/aug/29/city-of-sydney-to-urge-yes-vote-in-marriage-equality-survey|access-date=2 September 2017|work=The Guardian|date=28 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902094027/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/aug/29/city-of-sydney-to-urge-yes-vote-in-marriage-equality-survey|archive-date=2 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} Public servants in the ACT were warned against campaigning in the survey while in official uniform.{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/act-news/act-public-servants-warned-against-campaign-in-samesex-marriage-postal-vote-in-uniform-20170823-gy22qg.html|title=ACT public servants warned against campaigning in same-sex marriage postal vote in uniform|author=Burgess, Katie|date=24 August 2017|work=Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=24 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824062112/http://www.smh.com.au/act-news/act-public-servants-warned-against-campaign-in-samesex-marriage-postal-vote-in-uniform-20170823-gy22qg.html|archive-date=24 August 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/the-acts-new-rainbow-buses-revealed-to-promote-samesex-marriage-yes-case-20170829-gy67dy.html|title=The ACT's new rainbow buses revealed to promote same-sex marriage 'yes' case|author=Burgess, Katie|date=29 August 2017|work=The Canberra Times|access-date=29 August 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829120201/http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/the-acts-new-rainbow-buses-revealed-to-promote-samesex-marriage-yes-case-20170829-gy67dy.html|archive-date=29 August 2017|df=dmy-all}} The move to offer official support was criticised by the Liberal Party opposition in the ACT, and similar criticisms lead to the City of Darebin backing down on plans to restrict "No" campaigners from using council facilities.{{cite news|url=http://www.9news.com.au/national/2017/08/17/19/45/marriage-equality-canberra-act-government|title=Criticism after 'yes' same-sex marriage campaign dips into taxpayer money|author=Larouche, Emma|date=17 August 2017|work=9News|access-date=18 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818090209/http://www.9news.com.au/national/2017/08/17/19/45/marriage-equality-canberra-act-government|archive-date=18 August 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/darebin-council-backs-down-on-plans-to-oppose-no-side-in-samesex-marriage-debate/news-story/7fbe665e0b4f4ea6f39923889641457d|title=Darebin Council backs down on plans to oppose 'no' side in same-sex marriage debate|author=Gardiner, Ed|date=22 August 2017|work=Herald Sun|access-date=24 August 2017|archive-date=24 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824142309/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/darebin-council-backs-down-on-plans-to-oppose-no-side-in-samesex-marriage-debate/news-story/7fbe665e0b4f4ea6f39923889641457d|url-status=live}}

Several figures and institutions supporting a "No" vote raised the issue of religious freedom during the survey period. Former Prime Minister John Howard rejected the assurances of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and requested that the government explicitly detail proposed religious freedom provisions to potentially be included in same-sex marriage legislation.{{cite news|last1=Shanahan|first1=Dennis|title=John Howard joins Tony Abbott in campaigning against same-sex marriage|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/john-howard-joins-tony-abbott-in-campaigning-against-samesex-marriage/news-story/d7cae3da2446598abb26b5ee4fe7596e|access-date=29 September 2017|work=The Australian|date=10 August 2017|url-access=subscription|archive-date=30 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200530085413/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=TAWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fnational-affairs%2Fjohn-howard-joins-tony-abbott-in-campaigning-against-samesex-marriage%2Fnews-story%2Fd7cae3da2446598abb26b5ee4fe7596e&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&nk=f7e076522d62cab123063569266ed6e3-1590828852|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://thewest.com.au/news/australia/former-prime-minister-john-howard-says-legalising-same-sex-marrige-would-have-wide-implications-in-no-advert-ng-b88613274z|title=Former Prime Minister John Howard says legalising same-sex marriage would have wide implications in No advert|author=Wearne, Phoebe|date=29 September 2017|work=The West|access-date=29 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929091145/https://thewest.com.au/news/australia/former-prime-minister-john-howard-says-legalising-same-sex-marrige-would-have-wide-implications-in-no-advert-ng-b88613274z|archive-date=29 September 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-31/howard-wants-detail-on-religious-exemptions-same-sex-marriage/8858670|title=Same-sex marriage: John Howard wants more detail on religious exemptions ahead of same-sex marriage survey|author=Lane, Sabra|work=ABC News|date=31 August 2017|access-date=29 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916085907/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-31/howard-wants-detail-on-religious-exemptions-same-sex-marriage/8858670|archive-date=16 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} Likewise several leaders in the Catholic Church raised freedom of religion concerns, citing the case of a Tasmanian archbishop, who was requested to appear at an anti-discrimination commission after having disseminated material supporting a Christian view of marriage.{{cite web|url=https://www.catholic.org.au/plebiscite|title=Plebiscite on marriage|author=Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference|work=Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference|access-date=29 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918225059/https://www.catholic.org.au/plebiscite|archive-date=18 September 2017|df=dmy-all|author-link=Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference}} The veracity of the concerns over religious freedom was disputed heavily in the community. Some groups, such as the National Catholic Education Commission said they were unsure if Catholic schools could continue to teach the Catholic view of marriage in the event same-sex marriage was legalised, however academics Marion Maddox and Carol Johnson challenged this by arguing that religious organisations would continue to be able to access exemptions from anti-discrimination laws and, consequently, remain free to refuse same-sex marriage if it is eventually introduced.{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/education/coalition-in-danger-of-fight-with-catholics-on-samesex-marriage/news-story/e6deefe1262234d612a404749b6793a2|title=Coalition in danger of fight with Catholics on same-sex marriage|author=Kelly, Joe|date=22 August 2017|work=The Australian|access-date=29 September 2017|url-access=subscription|archive-date=30 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200530085412/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=TAWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fnational-affairs%2Feducation%2Fcoalition-in-danger-of-fight-with-catholics-on-samesex-marriage%2Fnews-story%2Fe6deefe1262234d612a404749b6793a2&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&nk=5d9f83724832744543cf565fb60e2ba7-1590828852|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://theconversation.com/talk-of-same-sex-marriage-impinging-on-religious-freedom-is-misconceived-heres-why-82435|title=Talk of same-sex marriage impinging on religious freedom is misconceived: here's why|last1=Johnson|first1=Carol|last2=Maddox|first2=Marion|date=28 August 2017|website=The Conversation|language=en|access-date=29 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925082448/https://theconversation.com/talk-of-same-sex-marriage-impinging-on-religious-freedom-is-misconceived-heres-why-82435|archive-date=25 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} The divisions extended to the governing Liberal Party, whose president rejected claims that religious freedom could be under threat, in direct contradiction to the party's vice-president, who said that same-sex marriage would have consequences for freedom of speech, religion and association.{{cite news|last1=Hutchens|first1=Gareth|title=Nick Greiner denounces 'religious freedom' argument against marriage equality|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/aug/28/claiming-marriage-equality-threatens-religious-freedom-is-misleading-says-liberal-president|access-date=29 September 2017|work=The Guardian|date=27 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914012456/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/aug/28/claiming-marriage-equality-threatens-religious-freedom-is-misleading-says-liberal-president|archive-date=14 September 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/bigotry-from-yes-campaign-is-worse-than-racism/news-story/333d3eb398e130bc7110fb95839c877c |title=Yes bigotry 'is worse than racism' |author=Brown, Greg|date=1 September 2017|work=The Australian|access-date=29 September 2017|url-access=subscription}}

Both Prime Minister Turnbull and Bill Shorten, leader of the Opposition, spoke in favour of religious freedom protections, with Turnbull stating he was an even "stronger believer" in freedom of religion than same-sex marriage.{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/turnbulls-focus-on-religious-freedom-after-howard-ssm-blast/news-story/13f350c87669d51306912d019cf88270|title=Turnbull's focus on religious freedom after Howard SSM blast|author=Crowe, David|work=The Australian|date=16 September 2017|access-date=1 October 2017|url-access=subscription|archive-date=30 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200530085415/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=TAWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fnational-affairs%2Fturnbulls-focus-on-religious-freedom-after-howard-ssm-blast%2Fnews-story%2F13f350c87669d51306912d019cf88270&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&nk=4244ed08b82f33555796a319a6bc7b46-1590828855|url-status=live}} Shorten said the Labor Party would "make sure that concerns about religious freedom are met with and dealt with and are treated with respect".{{cite news|url=https://thewest.com.au/politics/gay-marriage-campaigners-pressure-turnbull-ng-s-1773285|title=Leaders back religious rights for marriage|author=Rajca, Jennifer|work=The West Australian|date=15 September 2017|access-date=1 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915004740/https://thewest.com.au/politics/gay-marriage-campaigners-pressure-turnbull-ng-s-1773285|archive-date=15 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} The prospect of additional religious freedom exemptions being added to existing Australian anti-discrimination law troubled some "Yes" advocates, who feared such provisions could allow service providers to discriminate on any basis, not just limited to couples' sex. Tiernan Brady described the campaign for religious freedom exemptions as "a blatant attempt to unravel existing anti-discrimination laws which serve everyone in Australia well, not just LGBTI people".{{cite news|last1=Karp|first1=Paul|title=Marriage equality opponents call for broad right to discriminate|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/oct/21/marriage-equality-opponents-call-for-broad-right-to-discriminate|access-date=22 October 2017|work=The Guardian|date=20 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022000915/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/oct/21/marriage-equality-opponents-call-for-broad-right-to-discriminate|archive-date=22 October 2017|df=dmy-all}}

In response to a Newspoll question on the subject; "Do you think parliament should provide guarantees in law for freedom of conscience, belief and religion if it legislates for same-sex marriage?", 62% responded Yes, 18% responded No and 20% said they were "uncommitted". A poll conducted by Galaxy later in the survey found 78% of respondents said Yes in response to the question; "If the majority vote 'yes' in the postal survey, should same-sex couples be treated the same under the law compared with other couples?"{{cite web|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/lanesainty/four-in-five-australians-dont-want-an-unequal-ssm-law|title=Four In Five Australians Don't Want An Unequal Same-Sex Marriage Law: Poll|date=1 November 2017|work=BuzzFeed|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171102032922/https://www.buzzfeed.com/lanesainty/four-in-five-australians-dont-want-an-unequal-ssm-law|archive-date=2 November 2017|df=dmy-all}}

An inquiry into religious freedoms, headed by Philip Ruddock, was announced in November 2017. This has been interpreted as a way to allow the speedy passage of the Dean Smith bill and postpone discussions of religious freedom.{{cite news|last1=Koziol|first1=Michael|title=Philip Ruddock review into religious freedom fails to deter conservative MPs from attack on marriage bill|url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/philip-ruddock-review-into-religious-freedom-fails-to-deter-conservative-mps-from-attack-on-marriage-bill-20171122-gzqbt2.html|access-date=11 March 2018|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=22 November 2017|language=en|archive-date=11 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180311142343/https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/philip-ruddock-review-into-religious-freedom-fails-to-deter-conservative-mps-from-attack-on-marriage-bill-20171122-gzqbt2.html|url-status=live}} It completed a report on 18 May 2018,{{cite web|title=Religious Freedom Review Terms of Reference|url=https://pmc.gov.au/resource-centre/domestic-policy/religious-freedom-review-terms-reference|website=pmc.gov.au|access-date=11 March 2018|language=en|date=12 December 2017|archive-date=11 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180311141724/https://pmc.gov.au/resource-centre/domestic-policy/religious-freedom-review-terms-reference|url-status=live}} which was not publicly released until 13 December 2018,{{cite news |last1=Doran |first1=Matthew |title=Religious discrimination act to form part of Coalition election platform |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-12-13/religious-discrimination-act-to-form-part-of-coalition-election/10613608 |access-date=15 December 2018 |work=ABC News |date=13 December 2018 |archive-date=14 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214213328/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-12-13/religious-discrimination-act-to-form-part-of-coalition-election/10613608 |url-status=live }} although the recommendations were leaked to Fairfax Media in October 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/read-the-full-20-recommendations-from-the-religious-freedom-review-20181011-p50918.html|title=Read the full 20 recommendations from the religious freedom review|date=2018-10-11|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en|access-date=2018-10-16|archive-date=16 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316060948/https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/read-the-full-20-recommendations-from-the-religious-freedom-review-20181011-p50918.html|url-status=live}} The government responded by proposing a religious discrimination act.

File:Pro-marriage equality wall in Redfern, New South Wales.jpg, with the signage "Yes" painted in the colours of the LGBT flag, designed to demonstrate the support for the survey.]]

Advertising by both sides was extensive for much of the survey period. The first television ad for the "No" campaign, revealed shortly after the campaign began, featured three women and focused on the Safe Schools education program.[https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/aug/29/coalition-for-marriage-ad-blitz-links-marriage-equality-to-gender-education Paul Karp, (29 August 2017), Coalition for Marriage ad blitz links marriage equality to gender education: No campaign ads claim schools will allow boys to wear dresses and compel students to role play same-sex relationships, The Guardian] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829082657/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/aug/29/coalition-for-marriage-ad-blitz-links-marriage-equality-to-gender-education |date=29 August 2017 }}. Retrieved 1 September 2017 The "Yes" campaign promptly aired a rebuttal by Dr. Kerryn Phelps.{{cite news|title=Same-sex marriage campaigners hit back with Yes advertisement|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-30/same-sex-marriage-yes-campaign-advertisement/8857438|access-date=31 August 2017|work=ABC News|date=30 August 2017|language=en-AU|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830224755/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-30/same-sex-marriage-yes-campaign-advertisement/8857438|archive-date=30 August 2017|df=dmy-all}} A "No" supporter funded the skywritten message "Vote No" over Sydney in September, which was defended by Turnbull as an expression of free speech.{{cite news|title=Turnbull defends same-sex marriage 'No' campaigners|url=http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/gay-marriage/malcolm-turnbull-says-samesex-marriage-no-campaigners-are-entitled-to-express-their-views/news-story/0a95fc03f6c4ab7981045d781f83ab17|access-date=29 October 2017|work=news.com.au|date=18 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029173212/http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/gay-marriage/malcolm-turnbull-says-samesex-marriage-no-campaigners-are-entitled-to-express-their-views/news-story/0a95fc03f6c4ab7981045d781f83ab17|archive-date=29 October 2017|df=dmy-all}}

In Melbourne, a giant "NO" was written in the sky in response to the survey.{{Cite web|date=2017-10-10|title='NO' written in the sky above Melbourne|url=https://www.3aw.com.au/no-written-in-the-sky-above-melbourne/|access-date=2020-11-18|website=3AW|language=en|archive-date=15 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815062952/https://www.3aw.com.au/no-written-in-the-sky-above-melbourne/|url-status=live}}

Subsequent "Yes" ads focused heavily on a concerted "get out the vote" effort, and featured high-profile figures such as Ian Thorpe and others posting their surveys, as well as a themed ad screened during the finale of popular television show The Bachelor.{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/australia-falls-in-love-with-the-bachelors-marriage-equality-ad-20170915-gyihsz.html|title=Australia falls in love with The Bachelor's marriage equality ad|work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=14 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916130437/http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/australia-falls-in-love-with-the-bachelors-marriage-equality-ad-20170915-gyihsz.html|archive-date=16 September 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/lets-get-it-done-olympic-legend-ian-thorpe-stars-in-the-new-marriage-quality-campaign-ad-2017-9|title='LET's GET IT DONE': Olympic legend Ian Thorpe stars in the new marriage equality ad|work=Business Insider Australia|date=7 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916095419/https://www.businessinsider.com.au/lets-get-it-done-olympic-legend-ian-thorpe-stars-in-the-new-marriage-quality-campaign-ad-2017-9|archive-date=16 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} The "Yes" campaign were also responsible for a widespread SMS message to many Australian mobile phones which lead to some complaints over how people's numbers were obtained, however the campaign advised the numbers were generated through random dialling technology previously used in elections.{{cite news|title=Plibersek defends text messages urging Yes vote in same-sex marriage survey|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-24/yes-campaign-thousands-receive-same-sex-marriage-texts/8979030|access-date=15 October 2017|work=ABC News|date=24 September 2017|language=en-AU|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014230554/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-24/yes-campaign-thousands-receive-same-sex-marriage-texts/8979030|archive-date=14 October 2017|df=dmy-all}}

Both of the "No" campaign's next most prominent advertisements concentrated mostly on the notion of gender theory in school curriculum, one such ad focusing on the book The Gender Fairy and featuring two of the mothers from the original advertisement.{{cite news|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/09/15/no-campaign-targets-gender-fairy-new-ad|title='No' campaign targets 'The Gender Fairy' in new ad|date=16 September 2017|work=SBS|access-date=16 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916010930/http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/09/15/no-campaign-targets-gender-fairy-new-ad|archive-date=16 September 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/gay-marriage/antisamesex-marriage-groups-officially-launch-no-campaign/news-story/235e715af9152d7a4dca4449df21318f|title=Anti-same-sex marriage groups officially launch 'no' campaign|author=Brook, Benedict|date=16 September 2017|work=News Ltd|access-date=17 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917075637/http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/gay-marriage/antisamesex-marriage-groups-officially-launch-no-campaign/news-story/235e715af9152d7a4dca4449df21318f|archive-date=17 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} The other advertisement included archive footage of one of the founders of the Safe Schools program and included material alleged to have been available for viewing by year seven students which was subsequently deemed inappropriate for unrestricted viewing by the Australian Commercial Television Code of Practice.{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/gay-marriage/no-campaigns-tv-ad-deemed-too-explicit-banned-from-airing-until-late-at-night/news-story/584eb7c6918b91603b927b214dec6895|title='No' campaign's TV ad deemed too explicit, banned from airing until late at night|date=23 October 2017|work=News Ltd|access-date=23 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023013004/http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/gay-marriage/no-campaigns-tv-ad-deemed-too-explicit-banned-from-airing-until-late-at-night/news-story/584eb7c6918b91603b927b214dec6895|archive-date=23 October 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/media/coalition-for-marriages-safe-schools-ad-deemed-too-rude/news-story/f49d7e5931bd2df6137fe747b9e6d5fb |title=Ad campaign safe for schools, not TV |author=Urban, Rebecca|date=23 October 2017|work=The Australian|access-date=23 October 2017}} As of mid-September, prominent "No" campaigner Lyle Shelton was mentioned across news outlets more times than the leading three "Yes" campaigners, Alex Greenwich, Tiernan Brady and Sally Rugg, combined.{{cite news|last1=Knaus|first1=Christopher|title=Lyle Shelton gets more media mentions than all three leading yes campaigners|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/sep/22/lyle-shelton-gets-more-media-mentions-than-all-three-leading-yes-campaigners|access-date=20 November 2017|work=The Guardian|date=21 September 2017|archive-date=15 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815062954/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/sep/22/lyle-shelton-gets-more-media-mentions-than-all-three-leading-yes-campaigners|url-status=live}}

File:Marriage Equality stickers.png-patterned stickers on mail boxes asking for no anti-equality or hate mail. Similar stickers were promoted as a way to show support for same-sex marriage and reduce the amount of unwanted materials received.{{cite news|title=A Bloody Legend Has Made A 'No Hate Mail' Sticker To Get You Through The Plebiscite|url=https://www.pedestrian.tv/news/no-hate-mail-sticker-plebiscite/|access-date=29 October 2017|work=Pedestrian.tv|date=12 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029173110/https://www.pedestrian.tv/news/no-hate-mail-sticker-plebiscite/|archive-date=29 October 2017|df=dmy-all}}]]

Legislation in effect for the duration of the survey made it illegal to vilify, intimidate, threaten or harm "on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex status or religion", with a fine of up to $12,600 for breaches.{{cite web|url=http://www.skynews.com.au/news/top-stories/2017/09/13/survey-anti-vilification-laws-pass-senate.html|title=Postal survey protection laws pass parliament|work=Sky News|date=13 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916095335/http://www.skynews.com.au/news/top-stories/2017/09/13/survey-anti-vilification-laws-pass-senate.html|archive-date=16 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} Furthermore, all campaign material was required to be properly authorised.{{cite news|title=People Vilifying LGBTI Or Religious People In The Same-Sex Marriage Survey Could Be Slapped With A $12k Fine|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/lanesainty/postal-survey-vilification-bill|date=12 September 2017|work=BuzzFeed|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912054456/https://www.buzzfeed.com/lanesainty/postal-survey-vilification-bill|archive-date=12 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} By 26 September, marketing services group Ebiquity estimated that the lead "No" group (Coalition for Marriage) had spent about $3,975,872 on advertising, a figure higher than their estimate for the two lead "Yes" groups (Australian Marriage Equality and the Equality Campaign), about $2,920,740.{{cite web|url=https://thewest.com.au/news/australia/same-sex-marriage-plebiscite-huge-difference-in-yes-and-no-advertising-dollars-ng-b88610512z|title=Same-sex marriage plebiscite: Huge difference in 'Yes' and 'No' advertising dollars|work=The West Australian|date=26 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926042632/https://thewest.com.au/news/australia/same-sex-marriage-plebiscite-huge-difference-in-yes-and-no-advertising-dollars-ng-b88610512z|archive-date=26 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} Two donations of note were made in the course of the survey; $1 million was personally donated by Qantas CEO Alan Joyce to the "Yes" campaign, and $1 million was donated by the Anglican Diocese of Sydney to the "No" campaign.{{cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/gay-marriage/qantas-boss-alan-joyce-donates-1-million-to-yes-campaign-for-gay-marriage/news-story/e10df66d5c0cc8a27ab871070d6f3184|title=Qantas boss Allan Joyce donates $1 million to yes campaign for gay marriage|date=13 September 2017|work=News.com.au|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914130735/http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/gay-marriage/qantas-boss-alan-joyce-donates-1-million-to-yes-campaign-for-gay-marriage/news-story/e10df66d5c0cc8a27ab871070d6f3184|archive-date=14 September 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/lanesainty/sydney-anglicans-give-one-million-to-no-campaign|title=The Sydney Anglican Diocese Has Handed Over $1 Million To The "No" Campaign|date=7 October 2017|work=BuzzFeed|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010150050/https://www.buzzfeed.com/lanesainty/sydney-anglicans-give-one-million-to-no-campaign|archive-date=10 October 2017|df=dmy-all}} Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott said in November that the "No" campaign had 20,000 donors who donated around $6 million to the campaign.{{cite news|last1=Taylor|first1=Josh|title=The "No" Side In The Same-Sex Marriage Debate Has Raised $6 Million, According To Tony Abbott|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/joshtaylor/the-no-side-in-the-same-sex-marriage-debate-has-raised-6|access-date=2 November 2017|work=BuzzFeed|date=2 November 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107030836/https://www.buzzfeed.com/joshtaylor/the-no-side-in-the-same-sex-marriage-debate-has-raised-6|archive-date=7 November 2017|df=dmy-all}}

At the 2017 NRL Grand Final, American rapper Macklemore was booked to perform several songs, including "Same Love".{{Cite news |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/rapper-macklemore-announces-eric-nally-mary-lambert-will-perform-with-him-at-the-nrl-grand-final/news-story/52fea34b21b8dfcf9e12be2f6637a1f8 |title=MACKLEMORE ANNOUNCES ERIC NALLY, MARY LAMBERT WILL PERFORM AT THE NRL GRAND FINAL |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=22 September 2017 |access-date=30 September 2017 |archive-date=24 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924213814/http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/rapper-macklemore-announces-eric-nally-mary-lambert-will-perform-with-him-at-the-nrl-grand-final/news-story/52fea34b21b8dfcf9e12be2f6637a1f8 |url-status=live }} The song topped the Australian charts in 2013, and was regarded as an anthem for same-sex marriage advocates during the campaign in Macklemore's home state of Washington. In the days leading up to the grand final, the single returned to the top of the Australian iTunes charts.{{Cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/nrl-grand-final-2017-macklemores-song-same-love-surges-up-australian-itunes-charts-after-controversy-20170928-gyqz0c.html |title=NRL grand final 2017: Macklemore song Same Love surges up Australian iTunes charts after controversy |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |last=Bungard |first=Matt |date=28 September 2017 |access-date=30 September 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930035843/http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/nrl-grand-final-2017-macklemores-song-same-love-surges-up-australian-itunes-charts-after-controversy-20170928-gyqz0c.html |archive-date=30 September 2017 |df=dmy-all }} Several prominent conservative politicians voiced strong opposition to the scheduled performance of "Same Love", given its high-profile support for the "Yes" campaign during the voting period of the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey.{{Cite news |url=http://musicfeeds.com.au/news/no-campaigners-trying-ban-macklemore-singing-love-nrl-grand-final/ |title='No' Campaigners Are Trying To Ban Macklemore From Singing 'Same Love' At The NRL Grand Final |work=Music Feeds |last=Mack |first=Emmy |date=27 September 2017 |access-date=30 September 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930040114/http://musicfeeds.com.au/news/no-campaigners-trying-ban-macklemore-singing-love-nrl-grand-final/ |archive-date=30 September 2017 |df=dmy-all }}{{Cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-28/macklemore-singing-at-gf-like-seeping-sewage-into-debutante-ball/8998442 |title=Macklemore singing at NRL grand final like 'seeping sewage into debutante ball', says Bob Katter |work=ABC News |last=Holman |first=Julia |date=28 September 2017 |access-date=30 September 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930031714/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-28/macklemore-singing-at-gf-like-seeping-sewage-into-debutante-ball/8998442 |archive-date=30 September 2017 |df=dmy-all }} Macklemore acknowledged the controversy several days before the final, but vowed to "go harder" as a result.{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2017/09/28/macklemore-to-perform-at-australian-rugby-championship-and-its-got-some-fans-very-angry/ |title=Macklemore to perform at Australian rugby championship, and it's got some fans very angry |newspaper=The Washington Post |last=Payne |first=Marissa |date=28 September 2017 |access-date=30 September 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001073948/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2017/09/28/macklemore-to-perform-at-australian-rugby-championship-and-its-got-some-fans-very-angry/ |archive-date=1 October 2017 |df=dmy-all }}

A nationwide study of lesbian, gay, and bisexual mental health found that increased exposure to negative, anti-LGBT media messages during the postal survey was related to increased levels of depressions, anxiety, and stress.{{Cite journal|last1=Verrelli|first1=Stefano|last2=White|first2=Fiona|last3=Harvey|first3=Lauren|last4=Pulciani|first4=Michael|date=2019|title=Minority stress, social support, and the mental health of lesbian, gay, and bisexual Australians during the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey|journal=Australian Psychologist|volume=54|issue=4|pages=336–346|doi=10.1111/ap.12380|s2cid=151125628}}

The rights and welfare of children, particularly as it related to same-sex parenting, was occasionally discussed publicly through the survey. Organisations such as the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference, the Presbyterian Church of Australia and the Australian National Imams Council all advocated strongly for nuclear family structures during the survey.{{cite web|url=https://www.presbyterian.org.au/images/downloads/various/Marriage-Brief-single-pages.pdf|title=Timeless: Marriage and public policy|publisher=Presbyterian Church of Australia|access-date=29 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217020343/https://presbyterian.org.au/images/downloads/various/Marriage-Brief-single-pages.pdf|archive-date=17 February 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.anic.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/PRESS-RELEASE-MARRIAGE-FROM-AN-ISLAMIC-VIEWPOINT.pdf|title=Marriage from an Islamic viewpoint|date=17 August 2017|work=Australian National Imams Council|access-date=29 September 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822055839/http://www.anic.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/PRESS-RELEASE-MARRIAGE-FROM-AN-ISLAMIC-VIEWPOINT.pdf|archive-date=22 August 2017|df=dmy-all}} A fact check article published in The Conversation, which was based on a review of the literature on outcomes for children of same-sex parents, showed equal or better outcomes for children raised by parents of the same gender.{{cite web|url=https://theconversation.com/factcheck-are-children-better-off-with-a-mother-and-father-than-with-same-sex-parents-82313|title=Factcheck: Are children better off with a mother and father than same-sex parents?|work=The Conversation|date=7 September 2017|last1=Power|first1=Jennifer|last2=Crouch|first2=Simon|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910125442/https://theconversation.com/factcheck-are-children-better-off-with-a-mother-and-father-than-with-same-sex-parents-82313|archive-date=10 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} Likewise, a review published late in the survey period by the Medical Journal of Australia agreed with The Conversation's findings, but noted that the effects of being exposed to stigma and discrimination could lead to poorer public health outcomes for the children in same-sex parented families.{{cite journal|last1=Knight|first1=Ken W.|last2=Stephenson|first2=Sarah EM|last3=West|first3=Sue|last4=Delatycki|first4=Martin B.|last5=Jones|first5=Cheryl A.|last6=Little|first6=Melissa H.|last7=Patton|first7=George C.|last8=Sawyer|first8=Susan M.|last9=Skinner|first9=S. Rachel|last10=Telfer|first10=Michelle M.|author-link10=Michelle Telfer|last11=Wake|first11=Melissa|author-link11=Melissa Anne Wake|last12=North|first12=Kathryn N.|last13=Oberklaid|first13=Frank|title=The kids are OK: it is discrimination, not same-sex parents, that harms children|journal=The Medical Journal of Australia|date=23 October 2017|volume=207|issue=9|pages=374–375|doi=10.5694/mja17.00943|pmid=29092695|s2cid=31451807|df=dmy-all}}

A number of helplines, counselling services and mental health strategies were made available to LGBTIQ people by several organisations, including the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.{{cite news|url=http://www.9news.com.au/national/2017/08/17/17/48/abc-marriage-equality-helpline|title=ABC offer helpline to staff distressed by same-sex marriage debate|date=17 August 2017|work=9News|access-date=19 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819145142/http://www.9news.com.au/national/2017/08/17/17/48/abc-marriage-equality-helpline|archive-date=19 August 2017|df=dmy-all}} Similar services were available for Defence,{{cite news|url=https://www.defglis.com.au/index.php/news/278-social-media-tips-and-support-services-australian-marriage-law-survey|title=Social media tips and support services – Australian marriage law survey|date=16 August 2017|work=Defence (DEFGLIS)|access-date=19 August 2017|archive-date=24 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324111052/https://www.defglis.com.au/index.php/news/278-social-media-tips-and-support-services-australian-marriage-law-survey|url-status=live}} Victorian local councils{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/victorian-councils-brace-for-ssm-fallout/news-story/f8047941f5bb46beff040ae24aa2e7ee|title=Victorian councils brace for SSM fallout|author=Urban, Rebecca|date=18 August 2017|work=The Australian|access-date=19 August 2017|url-access=subscription}} and health services such as Alfred Health.{{cite news|url=https://www.alfredhealth.org.au/the-alfred/news/supporting-our-lgbti-community-through-the-marriage-equality-debate/|title=Supporting our LGBTI community through the marriage equality debate|date=18 August 2017|work=Alfred Health|access-date=19 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819152329/https://www.alfredhealth.org.au/the-alfred/news/supporting-our-lgbti-community-through-the-marriage-equality-debate/|archive-date=19 August 2017|df=dmy-all}} State governments in Western Australia, Victoria and Queensland all allocated additional funds, ranging from $60,000 to $500,000, to LGBTIQ mental health services.{{cite web|url=https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2017/08/More-support-for-LGBTI-community-ahead-of-marriage-equality-survey.aspx|title=More support for LGBTI community ahead of marriage equality survey|author=Cook, Roger – Deputy Premier|work=Government of Western Australia.|date=27 August 2017|access-date=1 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901201541/https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2017/08/More-support-for-LGBTI-community-ahead-of-marriage-equality-survey.aspx|archive-date=1 September 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/samesex-marriage-lgbtq-agencies-prepare-for-sharp-rise-in-calls-for-help-20170820-gy079b.html|title=Same-sex marriage: LGBTQ agencies prepare for sharp rise in calls for help|author=Perkins, Miki|date=20 August 2017|work=The Age|access-date=20 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820212726/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/samesex-marriage-lgbtq-agencies-prepare-for-sharp-rise-in-calls-for-help-20170820-gy079b.html|archive-date=20 August 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/national-news/queensland-news/queensland-health-cash-injection-lgbti-mental-health/161468|title=Queenland Health commits funding to support a 'no harm' marriage campaign|author=Jones, Jess|work=Star Observer|date=31 August 2017|access-date=2 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902052806/http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/national-news/queensland-news/queensland-health-cash-injection-lgbti-mental-health/161468|archive-date=2 September 2017|df=dmy-all}}

Other groups, such as Slater and Gordon, the Australian Psychological Society and Minus 18 unveiled material and mechanisms designed to offer support and relief for those affected by the debate, such as parents of young children and LGBTIQ teenagers who experienced difficulties dealing with the public discussion.{{cite news|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/free-lgbt-legal-service-for-postal-survey-receiving-surge-in-calls-20170914-gyhe8z.html|title=Free LGBT legal service for postal survey receiving surge in calls|date=17 September 2017|author=Brown, Andrew|work=Canberra Times|access-date=10 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010165310/http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/free-lgbt-legal-service-for-postal-survey-receiving-surge-in-calls-20170914-gyhe8z.html|archive-date=10 October 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|last1=Sainty|first1=Lane|title=Here's How Psychologists Say You Should Talk To Kids About Marriage Equality|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/lanesainty/talking-to-kids-about-marriage-equality|access-date=3 September 2017|work=BuzzFeed|date=28 August 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903065219/https://www.buzzfeed.com/lanesainty/talking-to-kids-about-marriage-equality|archive-date=3 September 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|url=https://minus18.org.au/index.php/resources/wellbeing/item/918-how-to-stay-safe-during-the-plebiscite|title=You are loved: How to stay safe during the plebiscite|date=20 September 2017|work=Minus18|access-date=23 October 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023174333/https://minus18.org.au/index.php/resources/wellbeing/item/918-how-to-stay-safe-during-the-plebiscite|archive-date=23 October 2017|df=dmy-all}}

The survey period was associated with increases in the number of LGBTIQ people requesting assistance for mental health issues. Reach Out Australia, which lead the pro-same-sex marriage campaign by five mental health services, reported increases (variously at) 20,{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-18/same-sex-marriage-survey-lgbtqi-mental-health-support/8955956|title=Same-sex marriage survey sparks spike in access of LGBTI mental health support|date=18 September 2017|work=ABC|access-date=5 November 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171105085136/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-18/same-sex-marriage-survey-lgbtqi-mental-health-support/8955956|archive-date=5 November 2017|df=dmy-all}} 30{{cite news|url=http://www.watoday.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/samesex-survey-leaves-an-enduring-pain-for-lgbti-people-20171102-gzdeq4.html|title=Same-sex survey leaves an enduring pain for LGBTI people|author=Ireland, Judith|date=4 November 2017|work=WA Today|access-date=5 November 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107005245/http://www.watoday.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/samesex-survey-leaves-an-enduring-pain-for-lgbti-people-20171102-gzdeq4.html|archive-date=7 November 2017|df=dmy-all}} and 40{{cite news|url=http://www.watoday.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/mental-health-service-calls-for-plan-to-deal-with-samesex-marriage-survey-damage-20171112-gzjla3.html|title=Mental health service calls for plan to deal with same-sex marriage survey damage|author=Gartrell, Adam|date=13 November 2017|work=WA Today|access-date=13 November 2017|archive-date=13 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113080406/http://www.watoday.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/mental-health-service-calls-for-plan-to-deal-with-samesex-marriage-survey-damage-20171112-gzjla3.html|url-status=live}} per cent in clients during the survey period and crisis support service Lifeline noted a spike in calls about the impact of the survey.{{cite news|last1=Workman|first1=Alice|title=Australians Are Calling The National Suicide Hotline About The Postal Survey|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/aliceworkman/australias-national-suicide-hotline-has-seen-a-spike-in|access-date=4 September 2017|work=BuzzFeed|date=30 August 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904084923/https://www.buzzfeed.com/aliceworkman/australias-national-suicide-hotline-has-seen-a-spike-in|archive-date=4 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} Mental health surveys conducted during this period showed that increased exposure to the 'no' campaign was related to increased levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among same-sex attracted Australians. Shorten wrote to Turnbull about increasing the funding for mental health services during the survey from the federal budget, but did not receive a response.{{cite news|last1=Gartrell|first1=Adam|title=Mental health service calls for plan to deal with same-sex marriage survey damage|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/mental-health-service-calls-for-plan-to-deal-with-samesex-marriage-survey-damage-20171112-gzjla3.html|access-date=19 November 2017|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=13 November 2017|archive-date=22 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122063155/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/mental-health-service-calls-for-plan-to-deal-with-samesex-marriage-survey-damage-20171112-gzjla3.html|url-status=live}}

The survey was accompanied by a variety of acts of vandalism and abuse by both parties. In September, a banner reading "Burn Churches, Not Queers" was unfurled at a Coalition for Marriage meeting,{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-11/protesters-hold-up-burn-churches-banner-in-melbourne/9038376|title=Protesters hold up 'burn churches' banner|date=11 October 2017|work=ABC News|access-date=24 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012125033/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-11/protesters-hold-up-burn-churches-banner-in-melbourne/9038376|archive-date=12 October 2017|df=dmy-all}} and in October several churches in Victoria and New South Wales were graffitied with messages criticising "No" voters.{{Cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/church-graffiti-attack-targets-no-voters/news-story/d4803252a26c730c4b916ed57a9302e4|title=Church graffiti attack targets 'No' voters|access-date=20 October 2017|url-access=subscription}}{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2017/10/15/crucify-no-voters-graffitied-across-melbourne-church_a_23244153/|title='Crucify No Voters' Graffitied Across Melbourne Church|work=Huffington Post Australia|date=16 October 2017|access-date=20 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107003720/http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2017/10/15/crucify-no-voters-graffitied-across-melbourne-church_a_23244153/|archive-date=7 November 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/yes-vote-graffiti-sprayed-on-church/news-story/74bbc293360986c3c83de6f50056e550|title=Yes vote graffiti sprayed on church|work=The Australian |access-date=20 October 2017|date=26 September 2017|url-access=subscription}} Similarly, a passenger train on the Sydney Trains network was vandalised with messages encouraging "No" votes, including foul language and the Nazi swastika.{{Cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/vote-no-to-fags-outbreak-of-homophobic-violence-vandalism-in-samesex-marriage-campaign-20170925-gyo9ri.html|title='Vote no to fags': Outbreak of homophobic violence, vandalism in same-sex marriage campaign|last1=Koziol|first1=Michael|date=25 September 2017|work=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=20 October 2017|last2=reporter|first2=Legal affairs|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926085452/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/vote-no-to-fags-outbreak-of-homophobic-violence-vandalism-in-samesex-marriage-campaign-20170925-gyo9ri.html|archive-date=26 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} The ABC created a digital news service designed to track incidents of violence and abuse throughout the survey, with both "Yes" and "No" voters/organisations being targeted on occasions.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-11/ssm-same-sex-marriage-respectful-debate-ugly-side/8996500|title='A respectful debate'; Keeping track of the same-sex marriage debate|work=ABC News|date=11 October 2017|access-date=29 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026212733/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-11/ssm-same-sex-marriage-respectful-debate-ugly-side/8996500|archive-date=26 October 2017|df=dmy-all}}

{{Referendum

|title = Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey

|no = 4,873,987

|nopct = 38.40

|yes = 7,817,247

|yespct = 61.60

|valid = 12,691,234

|validpct = 99.71

|invalid = 36,686

|invalidpct = 0.29

|total = 12,727,920

|turnoutpct = 79.52

|electorate = 16,006,180

}}

{{Referendum bar

| title = National survey

| text1 = Yes

| vote1 = 7,817,247

| textcolor1 = #000

| background1 = #9f9

| text2 = No

| vote2 = 4,873,987

| textcolor2 = #000

| background2 = #f99

}}

The Australian Capital Territory recorded the strongest "Yes" vote at 74% while New South Wales had the lowest level of support at 57.8%.{{cite news |last1=Reynolds |first1=Emma |title=Same-sex marriage results: How Australia voted, state by state |url=https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/gay-marriage/how-australia-voted-on-samesex-marriage/news-story/856052cb744b25f734d04c1714e202e7 |access-date=25 April 2019 |work=News.com.au |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=14 November 2017 |archive-date=25 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425131328/https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/gay-marriage/how-australia-voted-on-samesex-marriage/news-story/856052cb744b25f734d04c1714e202e7 |url-status=live }} All other jurisdictions had above 60% support, with Victoria the leading state on 64.9% support.

File:SSM_2017_demographic_data.png)]]

{{clear}}

A majority of survey participants returned affirmative responses in 133 electorates. The 17 electorates with majority negative responses were predominantly in Western Sydney (12 electorates), as well as rural Queensland (three electorates) and outer suburban Melbourne (two electorates). Defying a national trend, in New South Wales, country participants were more likely to vote yes than their city counterparts.

Most electorates either swung heavily in favour or against same sex marriage. There were only 25 electorates in which the result was between 45 and 55 per cent. In contrast, 41 electorates at the 2016 Australian federal election had two party preferred results within the same degree of margin (±5 per cent). At the 2013 election, 49 electorates were as approximately close.{{cite web|url=http://results.aec.gov.au/20499/Website/HouseDefault-20499.htm|title=House of Representatives – final results|work=Australian Electoral Commission|access-date=9 December 2017|archive-date=11 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611183836/http://results.aec.gov.au/20499/Website/HouseDefault-20499.htm|url-status=live}}

The heavy concentration of negative responses in working-class, multicultural Western Sydney led to speculation about the underlying economic and demographic factors leading to the result. The Guardian noted that the portion of persons holding religious beliefs in an electorate was one of the strongest factors, calculating a −0.8 correlation between religion and responding affirmatively. Islam, followed by Oriental Orthodox and Catholicism were the strongest predictors of negative responses. Affirmative responses were correlated to income and education, and to a lesser extent, being born in Australia.{{cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/datablog/2017/nov/17/same-sex-marriage-survey-religion-drove-the-no-vote |title= Same-sex marriage survey: religious belief matched no vote most closely|work=The Guardian|date= 17 November 2017|access-date=9 December 2017}}

There was a higher percentage of responses to the survey from 18 and 19-year olds than any other age group under 45, despite concerns during the survey period that this group would be disenfranchised.{{cite news|title=Teens Have Shown Up Under-45s With Their Participation In The Postal Survey|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/aliceworkman/lol-democracy|access-date=19 November 2017|work=BuzzFeed|language=en|archive-date=15 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115094035/https://www.buzzfeed.com/aliceworkman/lol-democracy|url-status=live}}

{{main|Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017}}

Several hours after the results of the survey were released, Senator Dean Smith introduced the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017 into the Australian Senate.{{cite web|url=https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=s1099|title=Legislative Tracker: Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017|work=Parliament of Australia|date=15 November 2017|access-date=15 November 2017|archive-date=19 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190519160552/https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=s1099|url-status=live}} The bill amended the definition of "marriage" in the Marriage Act to recognise a "union of 2 people",{{cite news|url=http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/legislation/bills/s1099_first-senate/toc_pdf/1725720.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf |title=Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017 |author=Senator Smith|work=The Senate: Parliament House Canberra|date=15 November 2017|access-date=21 November 2017}} which would enable same-sex marriage. The bill drafted by Liberal Senator James Paterson, which would have extended further protections and exemptions for people opposed to same-sex marriage was dropped, with the Senator and several conservative MPs instead deciding to offer amendments to the Smith bill during parliamentary debate.{{cite web|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/11/15/james-paterson-drops-plans-introduce-alternative-same-sex-marriage-bill|title=James Paterson drops plans to introduce alternative same-sex marriage bill|date=15 November 2017|work=SBS News}} There was some unresolved disagreement by politicians who advocated for a "No" result as to whether further religious protections should be added to the Smith bill as an amendment at this time or whether a later bill for this purpose should be considered.{{cite news|last1=Murphy|first1=Katherine|title=Religious freedoms must be included in same-sex marriage bill, says Matt Canavan|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/nov/19/religious-freedoms-must-be-included-in-same-sex-marriage-bill-says-matt-canavan|access-date=19 November 2017|work=The Guardian|date=19 November 2017}}

The bill passed the Senate by 43 votes to 12 on 29 November 2017, with none of the amendments providing further protections and exemptions being accepted.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-29/same-sex-marriage-bill-passes-senate/9202478|title=Same-sex marriage bill passes Senate with day to spare before House of Representatives resumes|work=ABC News|date=29 November 2017|access-date=29 November 2017|archive-date=6 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906125519/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-29/same-sex-marriage-bill-passes-senate/9202478|url-status=live}} Openly gay MP and same-sex marriage advocate Tim Wilson proposed in Parliament to his partner, Ryan Bolger, who was in the public gallery.{{cite news|last1=Koziol|first1=Michael|title=Same-sex marriage: the day Tim Wilson got the answer to the question he can now ask|url=https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/federal/samesex-marriage-the-day-tim-wilson-got-the-answer-to-the-question-he-can-now-ask-20171204-gzy7t8.html|access-date=4 December 2017|work=Brisbane Times|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=4 December 2017|archive-date=4 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204090812/https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/federal/samesex-marriage-the-day-tim-wilson-got-the-answer-to-the-question-he-can-now-ask-20171204-gzy7t8.html|url-status=live}} Bolger accepted Wilson's proposal. It was the first known engagement on the floor of the House of Representatives. The bill passed the House of Representatives without amendment on 7 December 2017. It received royal assent on 8 December 2017 and came into effect the following day.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-08/same-sex-marriage-legal-after-gg-approval/9239334|title=Same-sex marriage signed into law by Governor-General, first weddings to happen from January 9|work=ABC News|date=8 December 2017|access-date=7 December 2017|archive-date=24 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324204909/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-08/same-sex-marriage-legal-after-gg-approval/9239334|url-status=live}} Existing same-sex marriages performed outside Australia were recognized from 9 December, while new marriages required one month's notice, and so began from 9 January 2018.{{cite news |last=Yaxley |first=Louise |date=December 8, 2017 |title=Same-sex marriage signed into law by Governor-General, first weddings to happen from January 9 |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-08/same-sex-marriage-legal-after-gg-approval/9239334 |work=ABC News Australia |location=Canberra |access-date=December 8, 2017 |archive-date=24 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324204909/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-08/same-sex-marriage-legal-after-gg-approval/9239334 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/jan/09/finally-gay-couples-ceremonies-officially-mark-dawning-of-marriage-equality|title=Finally! Gay couples' weddings officially mark dawning of marriage equality|work=Guardian Australia|date=9 January 2017|access-date=9 January 2017}} Several couples successfully applied for an exemption from the notice period,{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-13/why-the-first-ssm-wedding-will-happen-in-under-a-month/9256610|title=Same-sex marriage: How Australia's first wedding can happen within a month|work=ABC News|date=13 December 2017|access-date=16 December 2017|archive-date=6 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006135558/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-13/why-the-first-ssm-wedding-will-happen-in-under-a-month/9256610|url-status=live}} and the first legal same-sex wedding under Australian law was held on 15 December 2017, with further weddings occurring the following day.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-07/heartbreaking-story-behind-australias-first-same-sex-marriage/9523098|title=Heartbreaking story behind Australia's first same-sex marriage revealed|work=ABC News|date=7 March 2018|access-date=7 March 2018|author=Patrick Williams|archive-date=1 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001042513/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-07/heartbreaking-story-behind-australias-first-same-sex-marriage/9523098|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/australias-first-samesex-couples-says-i-do-20171216-h05v7s.html|title=Australia's first same-sex couples say 'I do'|date=16 December 2017|access-date=16 December 2017|publisher=Fairfax Media|work=The Age|author=Julie Power & Goya Dmytryshchak|archive-date=17 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217023011/http://www.theage.com.au/national/australias-first-samesex-couples-says-i-do-20171216-h05v7s.html|url-status=live}}

The survey revealed differences between the views of some MPs and the majority of their constituents on this issue. Several Labor MPs in Western Sydney electorates recommitted to voting in favour of same-sex marriage legislation, despite majority "No" votes among their constituents. Labor Senator Sam Dastyari acknowledged this issue, noting there was a "huge disconnect" of views on same-sex marriage within traditionally Labor-held seats in Western Sydney.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/samesex-marriage-results-show-how-out-of-touch-politicians-are-with-constituents/news-story/fd23bbeea1356d6f26d21256bb9ac583 |title=Same-sex marriage results show how out-of-touch politicians are with constituents |author=Markson, Sharri|author-link=Sharri Markson|date=16 November 2017|work=Daily Telegraph|access-date=20 November 2017|url-access=subscription}}{{cite news|last1=McGowan|first1=Michael|title=Dastyari: high number of no votes in Labor seats shows 'huge disconnect'|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/nov/15/dastyari-high-number-of-no-votes-in-labor-seats-shows-huge-disconnect|access-date=19 November 2017|work=The Guardian|date=15 November 2017|archive-date=15 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815063535/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/nov/15/dastyari-high-number-of-no-votes-in-labor-seats-shows-huge-disconnect|url-status=live}} Similarly, several Liberal MPs and Senators said they would vote "No" irrespective of the result in their electorate or state.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/yes-vote-contains-truth-bombs-for-both-sides-of-politics-20171115-gzltja.html|title=Yes vote contains truth bombs for both sides of politics|date=15 November 2017|access-date=20 November 2017|author=Carey, Adam|work=The Age|archive-date=18 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171118072223/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/yes-vote-contains-truth-bombs-for-both-sides-of-politics-20171115-gzltja.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-14/same-sex-marriage-if-the-survey-says-yes-how-will-your-mp-vote/9104112|title=Australia has said Yes, so how will your MP vote on a same-sex marriage bill in Parliament?|work=ABC News|date=15 November 2017|access-date=20 November 2017|author=Yaxley, Louise|archive-date=14 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114053300/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-14/same-sex-marriage-if-the-survey-says-yes-how-will-your-mp-vote/9104112|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Henderson |first1=political reporter Anna |title=Same-sex marriage: This is everyone who didn't vote to support the bill |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-08/same-sex-marriage-who-didnt-vote/9240584 |access-date=25 April 2019 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=8 December 2017 |language=en-AU |archive-date=3 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603060019/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-08/same-sex-marriage-who-didnt-vote/9240584 |url-status=live }}

Alex Greenwich of the "Yes" campaign stated the survey results represented a level of "unprecedented support and momentum [that] has exceeded the expectations, not just of this campaign, but any campaign in our history".{{cite web|url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/national-news/rarely-life-celebrate-making-history/163855|title=Rarely in life can you celebrate making history|date=15 November 2017|work=Star Observer}} Spokesperson for the "No" campaign and the Coalition for Marriage, Lyle Shelton said it was a disappointing result, but he accepted and respected the verdict of the people. Tony Abbott said the Parliament should "respect the result".{{cite web|url=http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2017-11-15/ssm-australia-returns-resounding-yes-vote-but-debate-over-details-has-long-way-to-go/1716964|title=SSM: Australia returns resounding Yes vote but debate over details has long way to go|work=ABC Radio Australia|date=16 November 2017|access-date=17 November 2017|archive-date=17 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117123752/http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2017-11-15/ssm-australia-returns-resounding-yes-vote-but-debate-over-details-has-long-way-to-go/1716964|url-status=live}}

Speaking immediately after the survey results were released, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull called the outcome "overwhelming" and recommitted to passing same-sex marriage legislation in the Parliament before Christmas.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-15/same-sex-marriage-australia-says-yes-to-ssm/9150344|title=Same-sex marriage survey: Australia says Yes to SSM|date=15 November 2017|work=ABC News|access-date=14 November 2017|archive-date=7 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407052845/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-15/same-sex-marriage-australia-says-yes-to-ssm/9150344|url-status=live}} Opposition Leader Bill Shorten shared that commitment and called on conservative MPs in the government to respect the will of the people and not attempt any delaying tactics in the parliament.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/bill-shorten-on-the-same-sex-marriage-survey-result/9155032|title=Transcript: Bill Shorten on the same-sex marriage survey result|date=15 November 2017|work=ABC 7.30|access-date=17 November 2017|archive-date=16 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116221615/http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/bill-shorten-on-the-same-sex-marriage-survey-result/9155032|url-status=live}} The verdict announcement was watched and celebrated by tens of thousands of "Yes" supporters in capital cities. In Melbourne, several thousand people gathered outside the State Library of Victoria to watch the results before celebrations began in Melbourne's Lygon Street that evening.{{cite web|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/11/15/melbourne-parties-after-yes-victory|title=Melbourne parties after 'yes' victory|date=15 November 2017|work=SBS News|access-date=17 November 2017|archive-date=15 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815063546/https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/melbourne-parties-after-yes-victory/tkfvc5mij|url-status=live}} The huge "Yes" vote in Victoria prompted Premier Daniel Andrews to label the result reflective of Victoria's reputation as "the most progressive state" in the nation.{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/victoria-says-yes-mostly-how-your-electorate-voted-20171114-gzlm7i.html|title=A big 'yes' from the 'progressive state'|date=15 November 2017|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=17 November 2017|archive-date=17 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117074350/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/victoria-says-yes-mostly-how-your-electorate-voted-20171114-gzlm7i.html|url-status=live}} A large crowd also descended on Prince Alfred Park in Sydney for the announcement, which included high-profile figures Magda Szubanski and Ian Thorpe in attendance.{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/sydney-celebrates-the-samesex-marriage-postal-survey-result-20171113-gzkkl6.html|title=Sydney celebrates the same-sex marriage postal survey result|date=15 November 2017|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=17 November 2017|archive-date=16 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116084549/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/sydney-celebrates-the-samesex-marriage-postal-survey-result-20171113-gzkkl6.html|url-status=live}} Reflecting on the atmosphere in Sydney, local newspaper The Sydney Morning Herald claimed the results reflected "a momentous civil rights milestone" for Australia. Smaller crowds also gathered in several locations in Canberra, Adelaide and Perth to celebrate the result.{{cite web|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/canberra-life/canberrans-celebrate-same-sex-marriage-yes-vote-in-haig-park-20171115-gzlnag.html|work=Canberra Times|date=15 November 2017|title=Canberrans celebrate same sex marriage yes vote in Haig Park|quote=The couple were among the hundreds of Canberrans who celebrated the coming legalisation of same-sex marriage in Haig Park, where both tears and bubbly flowed freely.}}{{cite web|url=http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/hundreds-of-people-turn-out-to-hear-yes-samesex-marriage-vote-at-hindmarsh-square/news-story/edf389987dbd88df78ca1a62fc6b197f|title=Hundreds of people turn out to hear Yes same-sex marriage vote at Hindmarsh Square|work=The Advertiser|date=15 November 2017|access-date=17 November 2017|archive-date=16 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116115709/http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/hundreds-of-people-turn-out-to-hear-yes-samesex-marriage-vote-at-hindmarsh-square/news-story/edf389987dbd88df78ca1a62fc6b197f|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-15/wa-says-yes-to-same-sex-marriage/9152208|title=WA votes for same-sex marriage survey, with second-highest state Yes vote in Australia|work=ABC News|date=15 November 2017|quote=The couple were among about 1,000 people who flocked to Northbridge Piazza (Perth) to see the results come in live at 7am.|access-date=17 November 2017|archive-date=17 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117060929/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-15/wa-says-yes-to-same-sex-marriage/9152208|url-status=live}} In Canberra (capital city of the Australian Capital Territory, the jurisdiction with the highest "Yes" vote in the country), the results were celebrated festively into the night, as thousands of people forced the closure of Lonsdale Street in the city. Labor Party Senator Penny Wong's appearance onstage at the event "drew thunderous applause from a crowd of thousands".{{cite web|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/braddons-lonsdale-street-closes-for-samesex-marriage-street-party-20171115-gzlw0h.html|title=Braddon's Lonsdale Street closes for same-sex marriage street party|work=Canberra Times|date=15 November 2017|access-date=17 November 2017|archive-date=15 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815063607/https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6026003/braddons-lonsdale-street-closes-for-same-sex-marriage-street-party/|url-status=live}}

The results were welcomed by many representatives of Australia's business community. Among the highest profile of them was Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, who called it "an amazing outcome and we should all be very proud of this amazing country", an observation shared by leaders of corporate bodies Telstra and ANZ Bank.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-15/same-sex-marriage-business-leaders-overwhelmingly-welcome-yes/9153744|title=Same-sex marriage: Business leaders including Alan Joyce widely welcome Yes vote|work=ABC News|date=15 November 2017|access-date=17 November 2017|archive-date=16 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116185349/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-15/same-sex-marriage-business-leaders-overwhelmingly-welcome-yes/9153744|url-status=live}} Businesses related to the wedding industry, such as florists, bakers and others were poised to reap the benefit of what some projected to be a multi-billion dollar boost to the industry over the following 12 months.{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/samesex-marriage-yes-vote-billiondollar-boom-predicted-as-pink-dollar-unleashed-20171113-gzkkft.html|title=Same-sex marriage 'yes' vote: Billion-dollar boom predicted as pink dollar unleashed|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=16 November 2017|access-date=17 November 2017|archive-date=17 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117132246/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/samesex-marriage-yes-vote-billiondollar-boom-predicted-as-pink-dollar-unleashed-20171113-gzkkft.html|url-status=live}} The social media coverage of the results announcement was so immense that, with more than 4000 tweets sent every second during the peak of the day, the survey results trend was more than 10 times as popular as Australia's "race that stops the nation", the Melbourne Cup.{{cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/technology/online/social/australian-marriage-equality-hollywood-and-local-celebrities-react-to-australias-yes-vote/news-story/be32ae5091c986e36cce4d4703f3cc03|title=Australian marriage equality: Hollywood and local celebrities react to Australia's 'yes' vote|work=News.com.au|date=16 November 2017|access-date=17 November 2017|archive-date=16 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116171950/http://www.news.com.au/technology/online/social/australian-marriage-equality-hollywood-and-local-celebrities-react-to-australias-yes-vote/news-story/be32ae5091c986e36cce4d4703f3cc03|url-status=live}}

In celebration of the "Yes" vote, a Sydney-based visual artist painted a large, "light-hearted mural"{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2017/11/15/that-george-pell-marriage-mural-was-vandalised-overnight_a_23278920/|title=That George Pell Marriage Mural Was Vandalised Overnight|author=Butler, Josh|date=16 November 2017|work=Huffington Post|access-date=19 November 2017|archive-date=18 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171118202152/http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2017/11/15/that-george-pell-marriage-mural-was-vandalised-overnight_a_23278920/?|url-status=live}} on the wall of the Botany View Hotel, Newtown, depicting Tony Abbott with his hand down the pants of Cardinal George Pell.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/nov/19/vandalised-george-michael-mural-sydney-makeover|title='Love won': vandalised George Michael mural in Sydney gets a makeover|author=Zhou, Naaman|date=19 November 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=20 November 2017|archive-date=15 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815063544/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/nov/19/vandalised-george-michael-mural-sydney-makeover|url-status=live}} The mural was later defaced and painted over in black paint. The visual artist said he planned to leave the defaced mural as it was, stating "when you're making public art, the reaction is important, the reaction is needed".{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/scott-marshs-provocative-newtown-mural-of-tony-abbott-and-george-pell-sparks-backlash-20171115-gzmfc0.html|title=Scott Marsh's provocative Newtown mural of Tony Abbott and George Pell sparks backlash|author=Webber, Miriam|date=17 November 2017|work=Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=19 November 2017|archive-date=28 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171128045639/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/scott-marshs-provocative-newtown-mural-of-tony-abbott-and-george-pell-sparks-backlash-20171115-gzmfc0.html?|url-status=live}}

Archbishop Denis Hart of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne issued a statement on behalf of the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference, saying the results did not change the church's understandings of marriage and noting the 4.8 million Australians who voted "No" should have their concerns recognised by "putting in place strong conscience and religious freedom protections".{{cite web|url=https://cruxnow.com/global-church/2017/11/15/australian-bishops-react-yes-vote-sex-marriage/|title=Australian bishops react to 'Yes' vote to same-sex marriage|work=Crux Catholicism|date=15 November 2017|access-date=17 November 2017|archive-date=17 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117174423/https://cruxnow.com/global-church/2017/11/15/australian-bishops-react-yes-vote-sex-marriage/|url-status=dead}} These sentiments were shared by the leaders of the Anglican Church of Australia.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/worldtoday/ssm:-anglican-archbishop-wants-right-to-hold-views/9153066|title=Same-sex marriage: Anglican Archbishop wants right to hold views|work=ABC News|date=15 November 2017 }} Reflecting on the heavily concentrated "No" vote prominent in Western Sydney electorates, Keysar Trad, former president of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, labelled it "heartening" and praised the role of faith leaders in both the Muslim and Christian communities in the region.{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/samesex-marriage-result-why-multicultural-communities-registered-huge-no-votes-20171115-gzltjr.html|title=Same-sex marriage result: Why multicultural communities registered huge 'no' votes|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=15 November 2017|access-date=17 November 2017|archive-date=16 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116002242/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/samesex-marriage-result-why-multicultural-communities-registered-huge-no-votes-20171115-gzltjr.html|url-status=live}} Being born overseas has been noted to correlate with a "No" response and religious belief to correlate even more strongly.{{cite news|last1=Livsey|first1=Anna|last2=Ball|first2=Andy|title=Same-sex marriage survey: religious belief matched no vote most closely|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/datablog/2017/nov/17/same-sex-marriage-survey-religion-drove-the-no-vote|access-date=19 November 2017|work=The Guardian|date=17 November 2017|archive-date=15 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815063547/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/datablog/2017/nov/17/same-sex-marriage-survey-religion-drove-the-no-vote|url-status=live}} Social progressives received criticism for allegedly ignoring the "No" vote among Islamic communities, though a Guardian blog argued that religion was connected with the "No" vote.{{cite news |last1=Bolt |first1=Andrew |title=DON'T MENTION THE MUSLIM NO VOTE |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/blogs/andrew-bolt/dont-mention-the-muslim-no-vote/news-story/c64dd50dab59fc2d0b743d9c2d2cc97c |work=Herald Sun |date=20 November 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Wilson |first1=Jason |title=Burst your bubble Australia: sour grapes on the right after yes majority |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/commentisfree/2017/nov/21/burst-your-bubble-australia-sour-grapes-on-the-right-after-yes-majority |work=Guardian |date=21 November 2017 |access-date=5 December 2018 |archive-date=15 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815063550/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/commentisfree/2017/nov/21/burst-your-bubble-australia-sour-grapes-on-the-right-after-yes-majority |url-status=live }}

World leaders to congratulate Australia for the result included Nicola Sturgeon (First Minister of Scotland), Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister of Canada) and Theresa May (Prime Minister of the United Kingdom).{{cite web|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/11/15/its-gday-world-reacts-landmark-yes-vote-same-sex-marriage|title='It's a g'day': World reacts to landmark Yes vote on same-sex marriage|work=SBS News|date=16 November 2017|access-date=17 November 2017|archive-date=16 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116191310/http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/11/15/its-gday-world-reacts-landmark-yes-vote-same-sex-marriage|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-16/theresa-may-urges-australia-to-act-soon-on-same-sex-marriage/9155834|title=Theresa May urges Australia to act 'very soon' on same-sex marriage|work=ABC News|date=16 November 2017|access-date=17 November 2017|archive-date=16 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116185329/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-16/theresa-may-urges-australia-to-act-soon-on-same-sex-marriage/9155834|url-status=live}}

The survey ran more than $40 million under its projected budget of $122 million.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MathiasCormann/status/938991479409721344|title=Happy to report that the ABS delivered the Australian Marriage Law Survey for a total cost of $80.5 million. Well below the $122m Budget. Congratulations to all involved. Extremely well done. Mission accomplished and Parliament has acted on the verdict of the Australian people.|date=8 December 2017|author=Mathias Cormann, Acting Minister of State|work=Twitter|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208053058/https://twitter.com/mathiascormann/status/938991479409721344|archive-date=2017-12-08}} Greens leader Richard Di Natale wrote to the Prime Minister requesting that some of the unused funds be redirected to mental health and other support services for LGBT Australians hurt by the campaign.{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/20m-samesex-marriage-survey-underspend-should-go-to-mental-health-services-turnbull-told-20171119-gzoe5c.html |title=$20m same-sex marriage survey underspend should go to mental health services, Turnbull told |author=Gartrell, Adam|date=19 November 2017|work=Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=19 November 2017}} The survey added $26.3 million in revenue to Australia Post.{{cite news|title=Same-sex marriage postal survey delivers Australia Post revenue boost|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-02-27/australia-post-results-same-sex-marriage/9488686|access-date=27 February 2018|work=ABC News|date=27 February 2018|language=en-AU|archive-date=27 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227112156/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-02-27/australia-post-results-same-sex-marriage/9488686|url-status=live}}

A 2019 University of Sydney study found that the same-sex marriage debate led to elevated psychological distress for lesbian, gay, and bisexual people during the survey period, including increased levels of depression, anxiety and stress.{{cite journal |last1=Verrelli |first1=Stefano |last2=White |first2=Fiona A. |last3=Harvey |first3=Lauren J. |last4=Pulciani |first4=Michael R. |title=Minority stress, social support, and the mental health of lesbian, gay, and bisexual Australians during the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey |journal=Australian Psychologist |volume=54 |issue=4 |pages=336–346 |date=23 January 2019 |doi=10.1111/ap.12380 |s2cid=151125628 |language=en |issn=1742-9544}}{{cite news |last1=Molloy |first1=Shannon |title=Enormous cost of same-sex marriage in Australia revealed |url=https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/gay-marriage/the-enormous-cost-of-samesex-marriage-in-australia-has-been-revealed/news-story/9487a30548b452bbd1f22b03633cd79f |access-date=25 April 2019 |work=News.com.au |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=24 January 2019 |archive-date=29 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190429025040/https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/gay-marriage/the-enormous-cost-of-samesex-marriage-in-australia-has-been-revealed/news-story/9487a30548b452bbd1f22b03633cd79f |url-status=live }} The research also found that same-sex attracted Australians benefitted from public displays of support from family and friends, which increased their resilience during the process. Another 2019 study conducted for the Australia Institute similarly found that "the marriage equality debate represented an acute external minority stress event that had measurable negative impacts on mental health of LGBTIQ people and their allies".{{cite journal |last1=Ecker |first1=Saan |last2=Riggle |first2=Ellen D.B. |last3=Rostosky |first3=Sharon S. |last4=Byrnes |first4=Joanne M. |title=Impact of the Australian marriage equality postal survey and debate on psychological distress among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer/questioning people and allies |journal=Australian Journal of Psychology |volume=71 |issue=3 |pages=285–295 |date=5 February 2019 |doi=10.1111/ajpy.12245 |s2cid=150493678 |language=en |issn=1742-9536}}

{{Portal|Australia|LGBTQ|Society}}

• LGBT rights in Australia

• 2016 Bermudian same-sex union and marriage referendum
• 2013 Croatian constitutional referendum
• Irish same-sex marriage referendum, 2015
• 2015 Slovak same-sex marriage referendum
• 2015 Slovenian same-sex marriage referendum
• 2021 Swiss same-sex marriage referendum
• 2022 Cuban Family Code referendum
• United States:
• Maine:
• 2009 Maine same-sex marriage referendum
• 2012 Maine same-sex marriage referendum
• 2012 Maryland same-sex marriage referendum
• 2012 Washington same-sex marriage referendum

{{reflist|group=N}}

{{notelist}}

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{Refbegin}}

• {{cite journal |last1=Copland |first1=Simon |date=25 September 2018 |title=The Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey and the Limitations of Vulnerability-based Politics |journal=Australian Feminist Studies |volume=33 |issue=96 |pages=261–274 |doi=10.1080/08164649.2018.1517247 |s2cid=149698561 }}
• {{Cite book|author1=Eades, Quinn|author2=Vivienne, Son|display-authors=et al|title=Going Postal: More Than 'Yes' or 'No'|year=2018|location=Australia|publisher=The Lifted Brow (Brow Books)|isbn=9781925704112}}
• {{Cite book|author1=Greenwich, Alex|author2=Robinson, Shirleene|title=Yes Yes Yes: Australia's Journey to Marriage Equality|year=2018|location=Australia|publisher=NewSouth Books|isbn=9781742235998}}
• {{Cite book|title=How Powerful We Are : Behind the scenes with one of Australia's leading activists|year=2019|last=Rugg, Sally|publisher=Hachette Australia|isbn=9780733642227|location=Australia|oclc=1103918151}}

{{Refend}}

• [http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/1800.0 Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20171201151945/https://marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au/ Decommissioned Official Survey Website (Archived)]
• [http://www.abs.gov.au Australian Bureau of Statistics]
• [http://www.aec.gov.au Australian Electoral Commission]
• [http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/legislation/bills/s1099_first-senate/toc_pdf/1725720.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017]
• [http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/6630eff525d4cdc1ca25763e0075754f/7cbde85f96095fa4ca25822400162fc2/$FILE/Report%20on%20the%20conduct%20of%20the%20Australian%20Marriage%20Law%20Postal%20Survey%202017.pdf ABS Report on the conduct of the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201110727/http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/6630eff525d4cdc1ca25763e0075754f/7cbde85f96095fa4ca25822400162fc2/$FILE/Report%20on%20the%20conduct%20of%20the%20Australian%20Marriage%20Law%20Postal%20Survey%202017.pdf |date=1 February 2018 }}

{{LGBT in Australia}}

{{Australian elections}}

Category:2017 referendums

Category:2017 in LGBTQ history

Category:Australian family law

Category:Same-sex marriage in Australia

Category:Same-sex marriage referendums

2017 (Marriage)

Category:Turnbull government

Category:September 2017 in Australia

Category:October 2017 in Australia

Category:November 2017 in Australia

Category:Surveys (human research)