The federal opposition says a plebiscite on same sex marriage would be an expensive delaying tactic.
Deputy Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek said the proposition by Prime Minister Tony Abbott was “ridiculous”, and that important national decisions were made in parliament every day of the week.
“It’s a sign of desperation and another delaying tactic, because we know from a variety of surveys that the majority of the Australian population support this,” said Ms Plibersek.
“In effect, the next election is a plebiscite on this issue.”
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has pledged to introduce same sex marriage legislation within the first 100 days if Labor won the next election.
The Australian Greens have also strongly criticised any plebiscite, with Greens Leader Richard Di Natale moving to suspend standing orders and call on parliament to end discrimination in the Marriage Act.
Senator Di Natale accused Mr Abbott of stacking his party room with Nationals MPs during a debate on same-sex marriage on Tuesday.
Coalition MPs decided against a free vote on the matter following the marathon six-hour meeting in Canberra last night.
The prime minister has denied blindsiding Liberal Party moderates by allowing Nationals MPs – most of whom oppose same sex marriage - to take part in the vote.
“When asked about our position at the last election, I said that if this matter came up it would be a matter for the Coalition party room to deal with in the usual way,” he told the ABC breakfast radio Wednesday morning.
"There is the prospect of change in the next parliament if that is the will of the Australian people," Mr Abbott said.
Mr Abbott opened the door to a plebiscite or referendum on gay marriage, insisting it should be the decision of the Australian people.
He said his disposition would not be to hold any same sex marriage referendum concurrently with a referendum on Indigenous recognition in the constitution, or alongside a federal election.
Liberal MP Warren Entsch, who is set to introduce a cross-party bill to allow same-sex marriage on Monday, said he was disappointed by the outcome of the party room debate. He conceded his cross-party bill was doomed to fail.
