The decision comes in the wake of abortion emerging as a significant issue for the LNP during the October election.
Just a few weeks into his term as Queensland’s new Premier, David Crisafulli is facing calls to resign.
The call is made by prominent Australian anti-abortion campaigner Dr. Joanna Howe, expressing concerns over a Liberal National Party (LNP) bill aimed at preventing discussions on potential changes to the current abortion laws in the state.
“David Crisafulli has recently approved a motion that prohibits any bill related to abortion for the next four years,” Howe stated online.
“Not only is this contrary to democratic principles, but it may also be unconstitutional.
“Most importantly, it neglects Queensland newborns who are left to perish if they survive an abortion and Queensland babies who can be terminated up until birth under the existing law.”
Howe has launched an online petition demanding Crisafulli’s resignation over this decision.
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The motion, presented as an unexpected motion, prohibits any amendments to the current Termination of Pregnancy Act.
It stipulates that “regardless of standing or sessional orders, this house decrees that: no bill or amendment proposing changes to the Termination of Pregnancy Act 2018 may be introduced.
“No motion or amendment seeking the expression of views on the Termination of Pregnancy Act 2018 may be proposed.”
The motion is likely an attempt to prevent further political ramifications from the highly contentious abortion issue, which mobilized progressive voters.
The issue was initially raised by Katter’s Australian Party (KAP), which pledged to revoke the 2018 act that decriminalized and expanded access to abortion. However, KAP later softened its stance, but the damage was already done to public opinion.
Premier: Labor’s Expenditure
Addressing the Parliament, Crisafulli recounted being repeatedly questioned about intentions to repeal the state’s abortion laws, to which he consistently stated that there would be no changes.
“Despite that, the onslaught of social media attacks and harassing phone calls continued relentlessly,” he remarked.
“(Labor) allocated millions of dollars to a disgraceful fear-mongering campaign.”
Crisafulli expressed a desire to directly address young women affected by Labor’s insinuations of potential rollbacks in abortion laws.
“Labor was well aware that this was not on the agenda, but they did it for their own political gain,” he emphasized.
“Labor showed no regard for a woman’s right to choose; it was all about the power-hungry agenda of Labor.”
Deputy Opposition Leader Cameron Dick and KAP MP Robbie Katter both criticized the motion.
“I am utterly shocked,” Katter stated.
“I cannot comprehend this—it is evidently aimed at the party that would be the sole entity to introduce such legislation.
“We approach this matter with sensitivity, acknowledging its complexity for individuals, but we should have the liberty to bring forward proposals.”
Dick labeled the bill as an abuse of parliamentary protocols.
Labor did not endorse the bill.
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