The Australian Greens welcome reports of renewed discussion in the Liberal party about a way forward to achieve marriage equality, saying that the best path to equality is through cross-party legislation.

"We look forward to working with the Coalition, Labor and crossbench MPs to progress legislation that removes the barriers to equality," said Senator Janet Rice, Greens LGBTIQ spokesperson.

"I reiterate our call on Prime Minister Turnbull to grant his MPs a free vote so Parliament can do its job on behalf of the majority of Australians, who want marriage equality."

Australian Greens LGBTIQ spokesperson Senator Janet Rice has welcomed the Health Minister’s comments that the government is progressing the cause to get HIV prevention medication listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) so it’s accessible to everyone who needs it.

“The Therapeutic Goods Administration’s decision to licence HIV drug Truvada in May was an important step in the fight to end HIV transmission in Australia, but the high price tag remains a barrier to people who need it,” said Senator Rice.

The Australian Greens have labelled the defeat of the plebiscite bill in the Senate as a win for common sense, equality and justice.

“Tonight the plebiscite on marriage equality was defeated in the Senate, and tonight we moved forward towards equality,” said the Australian Greens’ LGBTIQ spokesperson Senator Janet Rice.

“The Greens are proud to have stood with lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex and queer communities against this plebiscite and we recognise, share and draw strength from the determination of this community to achieve the equality everyone deserves.

Australian Greens LGBTIQ spokesperson Janet Rice will today table a petition from campaign groups just.equal and All Out, signed by more than 90,000 people calling on the parliament to stop the expensive and unnecessary plebiscite and allow a free vote on marriage equality.

“This petition is further proof of the public’s overwhelming support for consigning the Abbott-era plebiscite to the bin,” said Senator Rice.

The Australian Greens have called on parliamentarians to work together for a cross-party bill, after a new Essential poll showed 55% of Australians support a vote in Parliament to allow marriage equality.

“Australians are sending a strong message that they want politicians to do their jobs and have free vote in the Parliament,” said the Australian Greens LGBTIQ spokesperson Senator Janet Rice.

On World Mental Health Day, the Greens have urged the Turnbull government to consider the potential harm of a marriage equality plebiscite.

“World Mental Health Day is an opportunity time to foster good mental health, not put it at risk,” said the Australian Greens LGBTIQ spokesperson Senator Janet Rice.

“The Prime Minister must recognise that government policy must not be detrimental to people's mental wellbeing, starting with his party’s proposed plebiscite.

Revelations that the Attorney-General rejected advice from the Solicitor-General on a marriage equality plebiscite should end any speculation about the possibility of the taxpayer-fund opinion poll, say the Greens.

“If a plebiscite looked unlikely before this, it should now be dead in the water,” said the Australian Greens LGBTIQ spokesperson Senator Janet Rice.

“This abuse of process is the peak of partisanship.

“The Attorney-General can’t just go to a Howard-era solicitor-general when he needs advice to fit the government’s world view.