Opposition leader Lawrence Springborg told APN Newsdesk a short while ago that Ms Palaszczuk should not be pursuing her pre-election promise to give same-sex couples the chance to have their relationships recognised as civil unions.

Queensland Labor has been forced to begin disciplinary proceedings against one of its most powerful former faction leaders, following allegations of corruption arising from the Trade Union Royal Commission. LGBT and their families recognise their government cares about their rights.

Ms Palaszczuk said the bill was important for straight couples who did not want to marry and for gay couples who wanted to show their commitment to each other.

“The Civil Partnership Bill is not equal to marriage”, she realises, “but it will provide security and stability to relationships – and as a parent this is a huge step forward for the rights of our LGBT sons and daughters”.

“My government is committed to restoring the civil partnership [and] ceremony provisions so couples of any gender can participate in an official ceremony and declare their dedication to each other”, Palaszczuk said.

Under the Bligh government Queensland LGBTI couples previously benefitted from Civil Unions however the Newman Government reduced the legislation to a relationships register shortly after coming to power in 2012.

Its passage in Queensland’s finely balanced legislature will depend on crossbench support from either Labor-turned-independent MP Billy Gordon or the two Katter’s Australian party MPs.

“In her final remarks, the Deputy Premier said that a Human Rights Act has the potential to be “…a legislative framework that allows governments to…enhance common, basic human rights, regardless of ability, of race, of indigeneity…

The Bill is expected to be passed before Christmas and will ensure Next of Kin rights in times of emergency will be upheld, and validate relationships in law whenever they may come into question.

“But civil partnerships are not a substitute for equality in marriage for same-sex couples. I think we are at the precipice of getting this done”.

“I feel it also shows the Federal Government up because Queensland, the supposedly most conservative state, is doing something positive”.

Argent said that the spotlight would now be on Malcolm Turnbull to keep true to his commitment to marriage equality and once again be the active advocate he was prior to his ascension to the Prime Ministership.