"An issue that is prominent at the moment is the issue of marriage equality.

I have heard both

sides of the story and read many emails and articles in relation to it.
Beyond Blue has revealed that rural same sex couples are 6 times more likely to suffer from
depression, anxiety, self-harm or suicidal thoughts. For me, especially being a rural person, this
greatly concerns me as I honestly believe that a life in the most remote corner of our great
country is just as important as any other life anywhere else.
Marriage equality is an issue that seems to arise around election cycles and it would seem the
hopes, aspirations and wellbeing of many Australians are used for political point scoring.
This alone is the reason I have left my personal views on this issue quiet until now. I have
decided to come forward and put my view on the record this evening.
The next election is set for later in 2016, at this stage, but instead of waiting for an election cycle
and using this issue to gather votes rather than outcomes, I thought it would be better to come
out with my views.
It is said that country people are not yet ready for this change but people many rural folk of all
different backgrounds tell me that they are. These are people like myself.
There are many people living within rural communities who are already in happy, meaningful and
fulfilling relationships. There are also many people who are completely aware and supportive of
this.
I do not think it is up to large lobby groups, or political parties to tell us what we are or are not
ready for. The reality is, the majority of people I have spoken to or have contacted me seem to
overwhelmingly accept the lifestyle of others and do not feel threatened by a change to the
Marriage Act.
When I stood as a candidate for the AMEP, one of the core values of the party that stood out to
me was "We believe in minimal Government interference".
The topic of marriage equality is a stand out example of how I interpret this value.
We know people can be attracted to the same sex through no choice of their own and that they
are born this way. We know that people hold onto this feeling and even try to hide it for many
years, even a whole lifetime. We know that some homosexual people force themselves into
being in a heterosexual relationship which can cause marital issues further down the line.
We know that the way same sex couples are still at times perceived in a way in public that can
cause great amounts of stress and depression. But does it really affect any of us if the Marriage
Act is amended to allow marriage equity?
In my view, no.
It will just give those who are already in a same sex relationship, or who are genuinely attracted
to the same sex, the option to have their union recognised the same as everybody else if they
chose to get married.
It will not affect those who are in a heterosexual relationship but it will hopefully be a step in the
right direction in accepting that we are not all the same and that all people have the right to live
their lives without judgement.
I am not a religious man, however I was raised around religion and some values sticked. If you
can't say something nice say nothing. Be respectful and forgiving.
But mostly, one that always stands out to me is not to judge.

I am a family man. I ride dirt bikes, camp and four-wheel drive. I race cars and love getting my
hands dirty.I like to live my life without judgement and I return that favour.
If marriage equality was put to a conscience vote, and my vote was the deciding vote, a change
to the Marriage Act would occur.
If a decision to put the question to a plebiscite was to be on offer, I too would support this to allow
the people of Australia to make their vote count.
In conclusion, I am proud to be here and to be putting on the record my support of marriage
equality.
Why here in Heyfield? Because I believe that a life here, or in the most remote areas of Australia
are just as important as a life anywhere else.
I am honoured that Reach Out took gave me the opportunity to speak tonight and would like to
thank everybody who appeared on the panel.
To everybody else working endlessly behind the scenes in relation to assisting those in need I,
and so many thousands of others, thank you all."