In 2008 the Mortlake couple held a commitment ceremony that featured everything a wedding, should – friends, family and a celebration of two people’s love. 

“That piece of paper that makes it all legal is the only thing we don’t have,” Mr Turner said.

“I know it’s just a piece of paper, but it symbolises that we are considered the same and are valued just like everyone else. 

“There is no difference between between mine and Mick’s love for each other than any heterosexual couple.” 

Mr Turner said he hoped that with the US and Ireland legalising same-sex marriage, Australia would follow suit soon. 

“It’s disappointing it’s taking so long, Australia has been known as a progressive nation, but this is making us look backwards.”

Warrnambool’s Alison Coate-Kibeiks and Bianca Prziovska-Kibeiks have been together for 12 years, have a four-month-old baby named Olive, are recognised as a couple by Centrelink, but can’t get married.

“It would mean everything to us,” Ms Coate-Kibeiks said.

“Every marriage that happens around us, as much as we’re happy for everybody, there’s this little pang of disappointment that we can’t do that.

“Olive needs to see we can have the same relationship as anyone.

“It’s inevitable, but I’m getting sick of it (not happening). It’s so frustrating.”