Labor to finalise stance on same-sex marriage plebiscite

The federal opposition is expected to finalise its position on the controversial same-sex marriage plebiscite this week. It’s increasingly likely the party will adopt a free vote in parliament as the only way forward.

Bill Shorten says an anti-gay marriage campaign could damage young people unsure of their sexuality. Source: AAP

Labor will formally decide its position on the same-sex marriage plebiscite at a meeting of Opposition MPs on Tuesday.

Legislation setting up the potential national vote is due for debate in the House of Representatives following that meeting.

Labor is expected to once again outline the arguments against the $200 million plebiscite.

“It’s no secret that we are deeply concerned,” Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen told ABC's Insiders.

“The reasons are multiple, whether it’s the cost, which is a concern, whether it’s the impact on the wellbeing of young Australians in particular.”

There is also concern the divisive plebiscite could become a diversion from other important referendum questions such as the recognition of Indigenous people.

Special Minister of State Scott Ryan has told Sky News, if Labor blocked the plebiscite, the government was prepared to shift its focus to other election commitments.  

"If Bill Shorten says he doesn't want to deal with this issue, then quite frankly, there are lots of other priorities the government took to the election,” Mr Ryan said.

“I myself, have some in my own portfolio. I will have made all good faith endeavours to implement this election commitment, and I'll move on to implementing my others."

In other parliamentary matters, bad behaviour by the nation's biggest banks is also expected to stay in the spotlight this week, with Labor promising to keep up its calls for a royal commission.

Independent MP Bob Katter said he backed the move, and he was expected to introduce legislation on Monday for such an inquiry.

Finance Minister Mathias Cormann told Sky News, Labor was pursuing a political strategy entirely focused on its political self-interest. 

"We don't support a banking royal commission, because we think it would recklessly and irresponsibly undermine the confidence in our banking system without actually achieving anything beneficial for bank customers with legitimate grievances,” Senator Cormann said.

“We are focused on taking action to resolve issues where they occur while preserving, of course, the fundamental importance, which is a strong and stable banking system."

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has promised to establish a tribunal to give customers legal recourse if they cannot resolve their issues with the banks. Labor says that is just a stunt and a diversion that will not really help.

-With AAP