Liberal MP Tim Wilson has apologised to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull for an apparent clash during a lengthy Coalition party room meeting on same-sex marriage.
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The crossed words took place as the details of the plebiscite - it will cost $170 million, be held on February 11, 2017 and the "yes" and "no" campaigns will receive $7.5 million each in funding - were agreed in Canberra on Tuesday.
At least ten Coalition MPs spoke on the details of the plebiscite during the meeting, including Mr Turnbull, deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and former prime minister Tony Abbott.
Other MPs who spoke included Andrew Broad, Dean Smith, Michael Sukkar, Warren Entsch, George Christensen and Russell Broadbent.
Several MPs told Fairfax Media that during the meeting, Mr Turnbull had interrupted Mr Wilson while the new MP was speaking.
That prompted Mr Wilson to respond "I'll finish, thank you" and continue speaking.
After the meeting, Mr Wilson - a prominent supporter of same-sex marriage - said he had apologised to the Prime Minister for any misunderstanding.
"The PM gave me the floor. Mid-way through my remarks the PM raised an issue. I expressed my desire to finish my remarks. It was not my intention to be disrespectful, and hence I have already apologised to him in person. He has accepted my apology and that my remarks should not be misinterpreted." Mr Wilson said.
Earlier in the meeting, Mr Turnbull is said to have argued it was important the government "maintained a level table" and let the arguments from the "yes" and "no" campaigns take place.
Senator Smith said he could not support the plebiscite because it was an "abhorrent idea".
Mr Abbott is said to have praised the cabinet's handling of the issue, and added that it would be folly for the Coalition to not accept the verdict of the Australian people from the plebiscite - whatever the result.
Mr Joyce said that the range of views on the vexed issue underscored the fact that the Coalition was a "broad church".
Several MPs in the room characterised the meeting as a "respectful" discussion.
Going forward, the government will ramp up its argument that Opposition Leader Bill Shorten is the primary obstacle to Australians having their say.
Fairfax Media has obtained a leaked copy of the joint party room submission which also confirms that voting will be compulsory; voters will be asked "should the law be changed to allow same-sex marriage couples to marry?" and the result of the plebiscite will be determined by a simple majority of votes cast across Australia (50 per cent + 1).
Many of the details of the proposal put to the party room were revealed by Fairfax Media on Monday night and the government will be relieved to have secured passage through the party room.
Attorney-General George Brandis and Special Minister of State Scott Ryan will appoint "yes" and "no" advertising committees comprising two government MPs, two opposition MPs, an independent and five members of the public.
Members of the public will be able to submit expressions of interest to be part of the committee.
In addition to the public funding, donations of up to $1500 will be tax deductible to the two campaigns, while the AEC will not have to produce information pamphlets. And amendments to the Marriage Act, and any other laws, will be published ahead of the plebiscite vote.
