Reminiscent of Gough Whitlam's famous political battle cry, Bill Shorten will introduce his gay marriage bill on Monday, telling parliament "it's time" to make equality a reality.
The opposition leader is hoping to garner support from the federal government to co-sponsor his private member's bill, but Prime Minister Tony Abbott has repeatedly said that while it's an important issue, he is focused on getting his budget passed.
Mr Shorten will tell the House of Representatives that the marriage law as it stands no longer represents modern Australia and will urge politicians to pass a law of which they can be "collectively proud".
"We can declare, in the house of the Australian people - `it's time'. Time to make marriage equality, a reality," he will say.
He says that no one should imagine this change is inevitable and will just happen, parliament has to step up and "rise to this moment".
"When someone has found not just another person they can live with, but a person they can't live without ... then they should have the same right to the true qualities of a bond that runs deeper than any law," Mr Shorten will say.
They should have the same joy and sacrifice, the same care and compassion and the same rights and responsibilities.
"We also send a message to all young, same-sex attracted Australians. We are proud of you, for who you are. You belong."
Marriage bill to break impasse: Plibersek
Deputy Labor leader Tanya Plibersek wants Labor's gay marriage bill to break an impasse on debate in the coalition party room.
Ms Plibersek is expected to second Opposition Leader Bill Shorten's bill in parliament on Monday, as her offer to step aside for a government co-sponsor appears rejected.
She has told ABC radio the bill must go ahead after Liberal MPs advised no discussion would occur in the party room until legislation was on the floor of parliament.
Labor's Senate leader Penny Wong said Prime Minister Tony Abbott had already had two opportunities to let the matter be discussed in his party room, with separate bills from the Greens and Liberal Democrat David Leyonhjelm before the upper house.
"Now he has the bill that Bill Shorten has moved and he still resists taking it to the party room," she told ABC radio on Monday.
Senator Wong said that before Friday, no one outside the Liberal Party had been aware of discussions coalition backbencher Warren Entsch had held with Mr Abbott about putting a bipartisan same-sex marriage bill to parliament in spring.
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