Small Business Minister Bruce Bilson. Credit:Andrew Meares According to Bride to Be magazine's Cost of Love survey, the average cost of a wedding is $65,482. The 2010 Not so Private Lives report found that 54.7 per cent per cent of same-sex couples would choose marriage as their preferred recognition. According to the 2011 census, there are 33,714 such couples. Based on these figures, the value of same-sex marriage to the economy could be $1.2 billion. Mr Abbott has said that same-sex marriage is a significant issue but that the government's "fundamental priority" is legislating the "small business budget boost". Myriad businesses - many small - are involved in weddings. From bakers and tailors to celebrants and jewellers, marriage was worth $7.3 billion last year.

While Mr Billson is "thrilled to see anything that energises enterprise", he is cautious about accepting these findings and remains uncommitted but open to legalising same-sex marriage. "I have seen some research referenced out of the United States suggesting that there may be some economic boost," Mr Billson said, "but I have also seen some research suggesting that same-sex couples actually spend less on weddings than other people." He welcomes that there is "lots of celebration happening at the moment for same-sex couples through [civil unions]. Whether there'd be more spent or more economic activity if that designation was changed, that's unclear at this stage." Denise Paras, owner of Oakleigh Quality Cakes in Melbourne, said cakes for commitment ceremonies were a growing business and expects a surge in orders if same-sex marriage is legalised. "The gay community have been waiting so long to get married so I believe there will be an influx of people wanting to have fabulous weddings and they'll all need cakes."

Sydney celebrant Stephen Lee agrees: "I've had two inquiries just this morning so I think I'm going to be very busy." Various factors would diminish the estimated boost including overseas destination weddings, LGBTI couples who have had commitment ceremonies and others who lack financial support from parents. However, the actual number of same-sex couples is also considered to be far higher than the census indicates. Rodney Croome, national director of Australian Marriage Equality, says the reform "costs nothing and returns a massive economic dividend". Loading "If Tony Abbott really wants to give the small business sector a boost, one of the best ways to do that is to allow a free vote on marriage equality."

with Beau Donelly