"An issue that is prominent at the moment is the issue of marriage equality. I have heard both

sides of the story and read many emails and articles in relation to it.

Beyond Blue has revealed that rural same sex couples are 6 times more likely to suffer from

depression, anxiety, self-harm or suicidal thoughts. For me, especially being a rural person, this

greatly concerns me as I honestly believe that a life in the most remote corner of our great

country is just as important as any other life anywhere else.

Marriage equality is an issue that seems to arise around election cycles and it would seem the

hopes, aspirations and wellbeing of many Australians are used for political point scoring.

This alone is the reason I have left my personal views on this issue quiet until now. I have

decided to come forward and put my view on the record this evening.

The next election is set for later in 2016, at this stage, but instead of waiting for an election cycle

and using this issue to gather votes rather than outcomes, I thought it would be better to come

out with my views.

It is said that country people are not yet ready for this change but people many rural folk of all

different backgrounds tell me that they are. These are people like myself.

There are many people living within rural communities who are already in happy, meaningful and

fulfilling relationships. There are also many people who are completely aware and supportive of

this.

I do not think it is up to large lobby groups, or political parties to tell us what we are or are not

ready for. The reality is, the majority of people I have spoken to or have contacted me seem to

overwhelmingly accept the lifestyle of others and do not feel threatened by a change to the

Marriage Act.

When I stood as a candidate for the AMEP, one of the core values of the party that stood out to

me was "We believe in minimal Government interference".

The topic of marriage equality is a stand out example of how I interpret this value.

We know people can be attracted to the same sex through no choice of their own and that they

are born this way. We know that people hold onto this feeling and even try to hide it for many

years, even a whole lifetime. We know that some homosexual people force themselves into

being in a heterosexual relationship which can cause marital issues further down the line.

We know that the way same sex couples are still at times perceived in a way in public that can

cause great amounts of stress and depression. But does it really affect any of us if the Marriage

Act is amended to allow marriage equity?

In my view, no.

It will just give those who are already in a same sex relationship, or who are genuinely attracted

to the same sex, the option to have their union recognised the same as everybody else if they

chose to get married.

It will not affect those who are in a heterosexual relationship but it will hopefully be a step in the

right direction in accepting that we are not all the same and that all people have the right to live

their lives without judgement.

I am not a religious man, however I was raised around religion and some values sticked. If you

can't say something nice say nothing. Be respectful and forgiving.

But mostly, one that always stands out to me is not to judge.

I am a family man. I ride dirt bikes, camp and four-wheel drive. I race cars and love getting my

hands dirty.I like to live my life without judgement and I return that favour.

If marriage equality was put to a conscience vote, and my vote was the deciding vote, a change

to the Marriage Act would occur.

If a decision to put the question to a plebiscite was to be on offer, I too would support this to allow

the people of Australia to make their vote count.

In conclusion, I am proud to be here and to be putting on the record my support of marriage

equality.

Why here in Heyfield? Because I believe that a life here, or in the most remote areas of Australia

are just as important as a life anywhere else.

I am honoured that Reach Out took gave me the opportunity to speak tonight and would like to

thank everybody who appeared on the panel.

To everybody else working endlessly behind the scenes in relation to assisting those in need I,

and so many thousands of others, thank you all."