More than $20 million left over from postal survey budget
Image: Greens Leader Richard Di Natale
LGBTI advocates have called for the $22 million left over from the marriage equality postal survey budget to be donated to supporting the community hurt by the No campaign.
The survey, originally slated to cost $122 million, came in under budget, Pink News has reported.
There are now calls for the remaining money to be spent on the LGBTI community after a campaign period that many found traumatising.
Greens senator Richard Di Natale wrote to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to request the funds be spent on LGBTI services.
“It’s time that the government acknowledges the harmful effects of the No campaign on the LGBTIQ community,” he wrote.
“I urge you to immediately redirect these funds in support services for the LGBTIQ community, particularly for young people, to respond to the issues being experienced as a direct result of the government’s decision to undertake the postal survey.”
LGBTI and mental health support groups found their resources under strain during the marriage equality survey period due to a sudden increase in demand.
ReachOut Australia reported a 40 per cent increase in calls from gay and bisexual people during the survey.
The group has called on the government to create a “clean up” plan following the campaign period.
After the overwhelming Yes win in the marriage survey, legislation is now being debated in parliament to amend the Marriage Act.
Marriage equality may be passed by the end of the year, though only eight sitting days remain for parliament this year.
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