A gay LNP candidate will vote against laws to legalise same-sex marriage if that's what his constituents want.
Jonathan Pavetto is quietly confident of ending Bob Katter's 23-year hold on the north Queensland seat of Kennedy.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says there'll be a plebiscite on gay marriage if he's re-elected, and if the yes vote gets up nationally, laws to enshrine the change will "sail through parliament".
But Mr Pavetto says his vote will be decided by the people of Kennedy.
If local constituents reject marriage reform at the plebiscite, he'll vote against the laws when they come before parliament.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"Should I get the privilege of being a federal representative, I will vote in accordance with the outcome of the plebiscite in the Kennedy electorate," he told AAP on Wednesday.
But he added: "It could go either way."
Mr Pavetto won't say if he personally supports the legalisation of same-sex marriage.
"Considering we're holding a national plebiscite, I think my personal view is irrelevant," he said.
"People are quite comfortable with the LNP's position. It's the only position that puts faith in voters to make the choice."
