Tue 15 Mar 2016 In: International News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Australia’s upcoming same-sex marriage plebiscite is estimated to cost over $500 million in direct expenses and lost production. Pricewaterhouse Coopers Australia has analysed the economics of a stand-alone plebiscite, taking into account campaigning, voting time and the expected impact on the mental health of LGBTI people. Pricewater Coopers Australia CEO Luke Sayers explains; “The real costs to government, the economy and members of the community to hold a standalone plebiscite are more than three times higher than the numbers commonly quoted. “It’s clear from these findings that a standalone plebiscite on marriage equality is a massive waste of time and money that will remove focus on the economy, growth and jobs which is the real priority for Australia. “Our modelling points to a parliamentary vote as the best mechanism for change.” PwC economics and policy partner Jeremy Thorpe notes the impact a stand-alone plebiscite would have on the LGBTI community saying; "What we find is the cost to the LGBTI community are in the order of $20 million for dealing with additional mental health costs that arise, just because of the stress and the public nature of the plebiscite.” The PwC report estimates that the plebiscite would negatively impact 5% of the LGBTI community - 50,000 people and the $20 million estimate takes into account the cost to the health system and a drop in workplace productivity.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 15th March 2016 - 6:33pm