Here lies possibly the world's shortest political interview

24 seconds.
 By 
Johnny Lieu
 on 

Australia has been lagging the world in legalising marriage equality.

But in recent days, there have been hints the country's government will allow politicians to vote on whether LGBTQ couples can marry. It's instead of the government's proposal for a public vote, something that's been labelled costly and "a waste of time."

Understandably, it's a tumultuous time for politicians. It's why this interview between Tim Wilson, a Liberal member of parliament, and Sky News Australia host Peter Van Onselen is possibly the shortest political interview you'll ever see.

Go ahead and time it, but it's about 24 seconds long.

To explain, Wilson, an openly gay politician, has long been vocal about his support for marriage equality.

It contrasts with his party's position -- the Liberal Party -- which is to force a non-binding, public vote (a.k.a. a plebiscite) on marriage equality, rather than a vote going to politicians.

Wilson has been in the media recently as one of the four politicians in the party who would cross the floor if there was a vote on legalising same-sex marriage.

Now that the Liberal Party is going to meet next Monday and its members will be canvassed on marriage equality, Wilson suddenly doesn't want to talk about it.

"I've said everything I've had to say on this issue, and I make no plans to make any further comment at this time, I'd rather talk about something else that matters to the Australian population," Wilson said.

According to Australian Marriage Equality, 64 per cent of the country's population support legalising marriage equality.

Topics Politics

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Johnny Lieu

Mashable Australia's Web Culture Reporter.Reach out to me on Twitter at @Johnny_Lieu or via email at jlieu [at] mashable.com

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