Tim Wilson MP says there is far more on his political agenda than just same-sex marriage

AS A gay politician Tim Wilson could be forgiven for making same-sex marriage a priority, but the Melbourne MP says there’s far more on his political agenda than winning the right to marry his partner.

Goldstein MP Tim Wilson with his partner Ryan Bolger. Picture: Josie Hayden

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AN OPENLY gay politician might seem at odds in the Liberal Party, but Tim Wilson says there is more to him than his views on same-sex marriage.

The Goldstein Federal MP and former Human Rights Commissioner wants to see changes to taxes and health, including increasing the GST.

Mr Wilson, 37, and his long-term partner, 33-year-old primary school teacher Ryan Bolger, sat down with the Leader at their Bayside home to talk about politics, policy priorities and plans in government, same-sex marriage and how both aim to serve the electorate of Goldstein.

Mr Wilson was elected to the blue-ribbon Liberal seat, stretching from Elsternwick to Black Rock and east to Ormond and Bentleigh, at the 2016 Federal Election.

Ryan Bolger and Tim Wilson with their pet pugs Louis and Ella. Picture: Josie Hayden

He said his major focus was on improving Australia’s health system and arguing for a flat 20 per cent personal and company tax and GST.

“We have to dramatically change and re-base our tax system so that we’re competitive in the international market place,” Mr Wilson said.

“It’s about shifting the tax base and arguing we should essentially have a consistent rate of company, income and consumption tax and I nominated 20 per cent (for all three).

“But I do not believe we should double the GST without cutting taxes elsewhere strongly.”

While he was “not strictly opposed” to scrapping the GST on some items, including feminine hygiene products, it wasn’t as simple as just axing the tax.

Mr Bolger, a 33-year-old primary school teacher, says he is more than happy to serve alongside his partner. Picture: Josie Hayden

“(Feminine hygiene items) are obviously a necessity, I’m not disputing that for a second, but then you can use that as the basis to argue that toothbrushes and deodorant or anything in that space can be taken out,” he said.

Mr Wilson said politics was a “very frustrating vocation” because it was “much slower than you want it to be; and you have to compromise on policy all the time”.

“But I’ll never compromise on my principles because they’re the reason I went into politics,” he said.

Tim Wilson talking to Malcolm Turnbull before Question Time in Canberra. Picture: Kym Smith

Among those principles is his widely-known stance on same-sex marriage. In his maiden speech to Parliament, Mr Wilson became emotional when talking about his partner, Mr Bolger.

“For seven years, a ring has sat on both of our left hands, and they are the answer to a question we still cannot ask,” he said.

“No matter what happens from here, we have already achieved more than many who come and go from this place because we have lived the change we seek in the world.”

Mr Wilson told the Leader he sometimes felt he had nothing new to add to the debate.

“I’m not afraid of talking about (same-sex marriage) it’s just I think people might get the misunderstanding that’s all I’m interested in,” he said.

Tim Wilson says that while he is a supporter of same-sex marriage, he doesn’t what people to think it’s all he’s interested in. Picture: Josie Hayden

“I’ve already had enough to say on it. But is it something I want to see done? It resolutely is because I think it’s good for the country.

“We should want people to enter committed, long-term relationships.”

Mr Bolger said he was incredibly proud of his partner and was “more than happy” to serve the people of Goldstein alongside Mr Wilson.

“Tim has chosen public life and therefore public life has chosen me but ... we made the decision for Tim to run for Goldstein together so I’m more than happy to serve with him.”

The pair occasionally attend events in Bayside with their pet pugs Louis and Ella, complete with puppy coats promoting the MP.

Wilson is a former Human Rights Commissioner. Picture: Josie Hayden

Mr Wilson said his electorate was “particularly supportive and encouraging”.

“Every parliamentarian will say it, but it’s genuinely true: I have the best electorate in the country and the best community and it’s a privilege to represent them,” he said.

Mr Wilson said his sights were set on improving the health system, rather than leadership.

“If you go into politics aspiring to be Prime Minister, you’re very likely to have an unsatisfying career,” he said.

“My interest is in policy and outcomes, particularly in building a sustainable, affordable health system for the Australian population.”

Mr Wilson said the health sector could “play an important role” in the export and trade industry because people across the world trusted Australian medical training and regulations.

“People are prepared to pay a premium for – because they trust – Australian goods and services.

“You’d be more confident of the medical training of an Australian doctor than you would those in some other countries,” he said.