The decision taken by the Young Nats at their annual conference last weekend will not have escaped too many. The decision is significant to say the least.
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In doing what they did, the young leaders of the Nationals – the erstwhile new breed and new generation – have ramped up pressure on opponents of same-sex marriage, voting to support reform and condemning the actions of party elders.
The NSW Young Nationals passed motions supporting same-sex marriage and a free vote for the partyroom, and expressed “disappointment and disillusionment” with the actions of federal leaders.
The youth wing of the junior coalition party said it was an important issue in regional Australia and that “a young homosexual man living in regional NSW is six times more likely to commit suicide” than others.
They say the weekend outcome continues their proud tradition of working within the Nationals to push the envelope – challenging senior counterparts and leading the debate on important issues to young people.
Among them were at least two young women who carry the female flag for the party in these parts.
Claire Coulton, chairwoman of the NSW Nationals Women’s Council, is disappointed that reform has been delayed by the federal party room.
Claire’s father is Mark Coulton, the member for Parkes and chief whip for the Nationals. He opposes same-sex marriage.
Gil Burke is a daughter to long-term party executive and state chairman Bede Burke.
While her dad’s position isn’t clear, it would be expected he might toe the traditional party line not just politically but perhaps also personally.
Both women believe, as most members of their generation do, that it’s about equality for people who are friends and family members.
Barnaby Joyce has made no secret of his opposition to marriage equality.
But the young Turks’ position is perhaps a lesson for New England – and a sign that the times might have moved on too.
In 2011 the then MP Tony Windsor conducted a poll on the question of same sex marriage – and from 1772 replies, some 1180 were opposed to same sex marriage.
Tony Windsor supported his constituency in that issue, but his personal and public leanings have softened since then too.
While one in five New England voters is over 70 these days, we might not be as resolutely opposed as we once were.
A recent Fairfax-Ipsos poll showed 88 per cent support for reform among people aged 18 to 25.
More older ones might also have softened their stance too.
