News in brief

TURNBULL VOTES AGAINST GAY MARRIAGE

Member for Wentworth Malcolm Turnbull has voted against same-sex marriage, despite representing one of the ‘gayest’ electorates in Australia. Voting on Labor backbencher Stephen Jones’ Bill to amend the Marriage Act and allow gay and lesbian couples to marry, Mr Turnbull was one of 98 House of Representatives Members who opposed the Bill last week. Forty-two voted in favour. Mr Turnbull, who has previously backed gay marriage, told Parliament: “The Coalition has taken a position … not to allow a free vote on this issue, so … I will not be voting in favour of it.”

ASSANGE RALLY FOR CBD

A rally will be held outside Sydney Town Hall next week in support of Julian Assange and WikiLeaks. The demonstration – scheduled for 2pm Saturday, October 6 – is timed to coincide with the eleventh anniversary of the current war in Afghanistan, which began when the US, UK and Australia launched Operation Enduring Freedom. Linda Pearson of the Support Assange & WikiLeaks Coalition said WikiLeaks had played a major role in shifting public attitudes to the war. “The release of government cables by WikiLeaks, highlighting the real reasons for the invasion, has helped erode public support for this immoral and destructive war,” she said.

GOOD GREEN DEEDS REWARDED

The City of Sydney Council has launched a competition and website aimed at rewarding good environmental deeds. Located online at thegoodhood.com.au, the initiative encourages Sydneysiders to describe their green deed by uploading a photo, explaining what makes it “good” and pinning its location on a map. “It can be as easy as putting food scraps in a worm farm, using energy-efficient light bulbs, growing herbs or vegetables, re-using old products, using a car-share vehicle, or walking or riding to work,” said Lord Mayor Clover Moore. The competition closes on November 4. Prizes include a seasonal communal dinner and car share vouchers.