Coalition ducks plebiscite alternative

Barnaby Joyce. Photo: Getty Images
Barnaby Joyce. Photo: Getty Images

The Turnbull government is refusing to reveal whether it has a plan B if the Labor caucus opts to formalise its opposition to a plebiscite on legalising same-sex marriage.

Both Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and cabinet colleague Mathias Cormann sidestepped questions on the issue when quizzed on Monday.

"What they're doing is basically jettisoning any capacity for there to be a change in legislation," Mr Joyce told ABC radio of Labor's likely position.

Liberal Democrats senator David Leyonhjelm believes Labor would be making a serious mistake by opposing the plebiscite.

"The fastest, most sensible way in which we can allow (same-sex couples) freedom to marry is to have a plebiscite ," he told reporters.

The Labor caucus will gather on Tuesday to confirm its formal position, but leader Bill Shorten has strongly indicated the plan for a national vote will be rejected.

Senator Leyonhjelm predicts there would be overwhelming support for same-sex marriage at a plebiscite.

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