Plebiscite highly possible this year: Ryan

Special Minister of State Scott Ryan says it's highly possible a national vote on same-sex marriage could be held before the end of the year.

It is entirely possible and achievable to hold a national vote on same-sex marriage before the end of the year, Special Minister of State Scott Ryan says.

The new minister, with responsibility for electoral matters, says he will be meeting with the electoral commissioner next week to discuss the plebiscite ahead of taking a submission to cabinet.

"I think it's highly possible, I think it's entirely achievable," he told Sky News, when asked about the likelihood of a 2016 vote.