The result of the postal survey is due to be announced next week, with a bill likely to hit parliament before the year’s end if the ‘yes’ vote prevails.

However, South Australian senator Bernardi believes the eligibility of federal politicians needs resolving now and the issue of same-sex marriage should be put aside in the meantime.

“It is much more pressing to deal with the composition of the parliament to establish that it is actually constitutionally allowed to exist in its current status,” Bernardi told ABC radio on today.

The latest estimate shows 12.6 million people returned their ballots by last Friday – representing 78.5 per cent of eligible voters.

Voting closed on Tuesday.

Bernardi, who is staunchly against same-sex marriage, said he would respect the result regardless.

“I hope that people will respect the result, notwithstanding we are going to have differences about the shape of any bill that goes forward … but nonetheless, it’s been a pretty positive exercise for the country.”

Treasurer Scott Morrison was taking it one step at a time, saying once the results are in it will be up to parliament to next deal with it.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has promised to facilitate a private members’ bill to legalise same-sex marriage if the ‘yes’ vote prevailed.

“I’m not prejudging the outcome of the process,” Morrison told reporters in Sydney.

“I’m waiting to see what the results are next week and then the parliament will take action based on what the outcomes are.”

– with AAP