History was made last week with the passing of marriage equality legislation in Australia.

The bill was passed with no amendment despite the Prime Minister’s promise religious protections would be put in place.

Former Liberal frontbencher Philip Ruddock is Chair of the panel tasked with reviewing religious freedoms surrounding the same-sex marriage law.

He speaks with Deborah Knight about what role the panel will play in restoring protections.

“I don’t think it’s the panel that achieves it. The panel will make recommendations which the government can elect to adopt.

“There were people who were voting in favour of the bill, but [had] an expectation these recommendations would be considered at a later date.

“It will ensure people are able to hold their own view without being asserted that they are inappropriate.

“It’s a question of how you get the balance right.”

Ruddock’s recommendations are expected to be put before parliament before the end of March 2018.

Listen to Ruddock’s response in the full interview below