Australians could find themselves voting on same-sex marriage in a controversial nationwide poll before the year is out.
Attorney general George Brandis told Sky News on Sunday morning the government will hold a plebiscite imminently if they are re-elected.
"The bill to constitute the plebiscite will be introduced early in the life of the new parliament so that we can have the plebiscite before the end of this year,” he said.
"In the event there were to be a 'Yes' vote, the government would legislate to give effect to the wishes of the people."
This means Australians in same-sex relationships could have the right to marry by 2017.
However, the proposed plebiscite has been roundly criticised by Labor, the Greens and marriage equality advocacy groups, who warn it will be an ugly and divisive debate that harms LGBTI Australians.
Brandis said he would not expect all members of the Coalition to vote in favour of same-sex marriage, regardless of the outcome of a plebiscite.
"I think it would be perfectly understandable that a member of parliament representing a conservative electorate and with conservative views themselves might choose to vote no," he said.
However, Brandis added: "There is virtually no doubt at all that if the public votes yes that the parliament would follow."