When Malcolm Turnbull delivered the Michael Kirby Lecture in 2012, he concluded by toasting his "old friend ... who may, indeed, one day be able to marry his prince".

Today, the former High Court judge says he would rather keep waiting than endure a public postal vote on whether he can wed Johan van Vloten, his partner of 50 years. Both say they will boycott the process entirely.

Justice Kirby, 78, lashed out at the "Mickey Mouse" postal proposal, which said was "completely unprecedented", disrespected the Australian people and discriminated against marginalised voters.

He agreed with Mr Turnbull's views from 1997, before the republic referendum, that a postal ballot "flies in the face of Australian democracy".