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Only 12 per cent of Australians aged 25–34 have not voted in the marriage equality survey, a new Galaxy poll shows.

An overwhelming majority of Australians still say they support marriage equality, with the latest poll, commissioned by Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) showing 66 per cent say they voted Yes.


The poll found 78 per cent of Australians do not want the Marriage Act amended in a way that treats same-sex couples differently from opposite-sex couples—including 43 per cent of No voters.

“This poll couldn’t be clearer,” said PFLAG spokesperson Shelley Argent.

“Australians want marriage equality and we want it without any of the caveats and exemptions that will further entrench discrimination against same-sex couples.”

Contradicting recent polls, an academic study suggests the survey outcome will be very close, predicting a narrow loss for the Yes vote.

The Griffith University study used advanced data techniques to analyse tweets, a method that has successfully predicted other outcomes such as last year’s US presidential election, SBS News has reported.

“It is likely to be a close-run result, much closer than the earlier polls suggested, and leaning in the direction of No,” said the researchers.

Equality advocate Rodney Croome said there was still no room for complacency among people who want marriage equality.

“I’m concerned that 25- to 34-year-olds have been less likely to return their ballots, given they are more likely to support marriage equality,” he said.

“It’s vital that the Yes campaign do all it can to encourage young Australians to return their ballots in the last few days of the postal survey.”

While the Australian Bureau of Statistics recommended votes be posted by last week to ensure they are definitely received, the survey does not close until November 7.

People in capital cities can still return their survey forms to drop-off locations.