The first man to be arrested for terrorism offences in Australia has been blocked from selling his same-sex marriage postal vote online for $1500.
Former terror suspect Zaky Mallah listed his ballot on eBay, asking for $1500 in exchange for a vote in the plebiscite.
Mr Mallah was arrested for terrorism in 2003. He pleaded guilty to kill government officials but was acquitted of planning a terror attack.
In the listing, Mr Mallah said he decided to sell his vote ‘out of respect for both sides’.
Former terror suspect Zaky Mallah listed his same-sex marriage ballot for sale on eBay
‘As an Australian Muslim who has many straight (Muslim and non-Muslim) and gay (Muslim and non-Muslim) friends, I have decided not to take part in this vote,’ he wrote.
‘I love my straight and gay friends equally. So I’m sitting on the fence with this one. Hence, the paper is up for grabs.’
Mr Mallah made headlines in 2015 when he appeared on ABC’s Q&A programme and got into an angry exchange with MP Steven Ciobo over the government’s proposals to strip dual nationals involved in terrorism of citizenship.
Mr Mallah made headlines in 2015 when he appeared on ABC’s Q&A programme and got into an angry exchange with MP Steven Ciobo
Q&A host Tony Jones was later forced to apologise on air, and the national broadcaster said he should never have been allowed to participate in the session.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics, who are overseeing the postal survey on whether same-sex marriage should be legalised, have worked with online auction sites to remove listings asking for thousands of dollars in exchange for a vote.
ABS deputy statistician Jonathon Palmer said auction listings selling same-sex marriage votes were ‘a bit of a joke’
In the description for the sale, Mr Mallah said he has ‘respect for both sides’ and will not be taking part in the vote
ABS deputy statistican Jonathan Palmer told ABC radio some auction listings have been blocked before they could be put up.
He estimated less than 30 auctions had been blocked from going online and said others were removed promptly once they hit the web.
‘It seems every day or two someone has a crack at listing a form,’ he said, while also thanking auction sites ebay and Gumtree for their co-operation.
‘I think it’s a bit of a joke frankly.’
Mr Palmer defended the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Australia Post in light of the sales and extra postal votes being sent out.
‘When you send out 16 million forms I’m sure there is going to be a few incidents. I think it is running smoothly.’
Mr Palmer defended ABS and Australia Post, saying ‘when you send out 16 million forms I’m sure there is going to be a few incidents’
Sales of the voting papers could lead to a $2100 fine or a year in jail.
The last 20 per cent of ballots are now on their way to households, and people are asked to contact the Bureau of Statistics.
All forms need to be sent back by November 7, and the result will be revealed on November 15.
Mr Mallah has been approached by Daily Mail Australia for comment.
Forms are due back by November 7, with the result set to be revealed on November 15