So, why was De Bruyn so grumpy?

On Sunday evening, the Labor conference passed a motion on marriage equality – a compromise struck between the left and right factions of the party.

The deal was to delay a binding vote on the issue – meaning all MPs would have to vote in favour of marriage reform – until 2019. Until then, Labor MPs are free to vote however they want on the issue, despite party policy being in favour.

In return, Labor leader Bill Shorten promised to introduce a same-sex marriage bill within 100 days of a Labor government being elected.

It was a small victory for De Bruyn and other opponents – but Shorten's promise, and the huge show of support for Wong from both factions of the party, makes it clear that marriage equality will not go away.

Some members of Labor's left faction, including members of Rainbow Labor, were angered by the deal. They had hoped to end the conscience vote by next year, binding MPs to vote for the reform in the next parliamentary term.