Australian PM searches for crochet bike creator Published duration 7 December 2017

image copyright MalcolmTurnbull

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has started a search on social media to find the creator of a rainbow-coloured, crochet-covered bicycle, which was anonymously left outside his home two months ago.

Mr Turnbull has been a supporter of same-sex marriage and called the Yes vote in the country's national poll in November a "yes for fairness, yes for commitment, yes for love".

image copyright MalcolmTurnbull

"About two months ago a woman chained this amazing work of art to a street sign outside our house. A crocheted Yes bike," he posted on Thursday.

"We brought it inside to keep it safe. But we don't know who made it! Please let us know? Perhaps its home should be our National Museum or Gallery to commemorate this extraordinary day."

The bicycle includes pictures of Mr Turnbull and his wife Lucy smiling and embracing. It also includes a tribute Mr Turnbull made to his wife on a Facebook post in February 2016

image copyright MalcolmTurner

More than a thousand people have reacted to the post. One Facebook user commented: "That's incredible Malcolm! A real symbol representing Australia travelling forward. Definitely needs housing in a gallery to reflect a significant day in Australia's history."

Another posted: " It really is an amazing work of art and history - definitely should have a place in the National Gallery or Museum after such a momentous day."

Several respondents were clearly not in favour of legalising same-sex marriage and others made it known they thought the prime minister had other issues with which to concern himself.

image copyright EPA image caption MPs Warren Entsch and Linda Burney, from opposite political parties, embrace after the vote

An overwhelming majority of Australian MPs voted to change the Marriage Act, eight days after a similarly decisive result in the Senate.

The vote set off immediate celebrations in parliament, prompting cheers, applause and even a song.

The result brings an end to more than a decade of robust and often bitter debate on the issue.

When the result was announced Mr Turnbull said: "What a day for love, for equality, for respect. Australia has done it."

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"We're so relieved she's safe, Malcolm! Bless you and Lucy for taking care of her," posted the Facebook user.

"A beautiful friend of ours created this. Isn't it wonderful? She has written to you directly identifying herself.

"Her nearest and dearest are in full support of her beautiful offering being preserved for prosperity in one of our museums or galleries"