The deputy prime minister supported his leader, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s calls for the commission, following disturbing images of youths being isolated and strapped to mechanical chairs at the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre in Darwin.

The images were aired on the ABC’s Four Corners program on Monday night, prompting Mr Turnbull to call for the inquiry into the treatment of the youths.

The member for New England yesterday agreed something should be done. 

“I have a strong belief that we need to have that investigation conducted ASAP,” he said.

“It has to be transparent and what we'll have with a royal commission is the power to compel witnesses to get discovery of evidence. How did people get themselves into this position, where they decided that it was appropriate to act the way that they did?

“Especially with the picture of the person with the hood on them, this is not Australia. It’s not how it works, so this is going to have to be dealt with.”

He said the matter would be a priority for the re-elected Coalition government and could take precedence over a commitment to a plebiscite into same sex marriage.

“I think it might be the royal commission,” Mr Joyce said when asked if a plebiscite into same sex marriage would be the first issue addressed by parliament.

“There will be a plebiscite in this term of Government; because I get one vote, and because everyone else gets one vote. It’s going to happen. The Australian people will have their say and we will respect that and act on it.”

Mr Joyce said his personal opinion on same sex marriage had not changed and he did not believe in the redefinition of marriage.

“But I do respect the right of the Australian people and I respect the vote,” he said.

“If the vote says they want the change, then I won’t stand in the way.”