Abortion Debate Poised to Shape Federal Election
If the Queensland election is any indication, the issue of abortion is set to ignite fierce debate in the upcoming federal election next year. Much like their state counterparts, federal Labor seems poised to launch yet another scare campaign. While their tactics may be predictable, we welcome the conversation because, ultimately, the truth is on our side. This is a discussion our society urgently needs to have
We hope Peter Dutton, Leader of the Opposition, handles this issue more effectively than Queensland’s David Crisafulli, whose response during the state election left much to be desired. Unfortunately, the early signs aren’t encouraging. According to reports, Dutton has already issued a warning to his MPs, advising them to stay silent on abortion. He reportedly emphasised, “it is not a federal issue, it had an impact in Queensland and discipline is extremely important.”i
While Dutton is correct that changes to abortion laws fall under state jurisdiction, this stance oversimplifies the issue. There are still federal levers, such as the Babies Born Alive Bill, which could ensure justice for the most vulnerable in our society.
This brings us to Senator Matt Canavan, who has remained steadfast in his commitment to the “Babies Born Alive” Bill. The proposed legislation seeks to ensure that infants born alive after late term abortions receive the same medical care as any other Australian newborn. Despite mounting pressure, Canavan has made it clear: “No, I won’t be withdrawing it”.ii
The Bill is still awaiting a vote, with Senator Ralph Babet moving an urgency motion last August to have the Bill debated. This delay only underscores the need for leaders willing to champion the rights of the voiceless.
The debate was further fuelled by Northern Territory Country Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, who has boldly stated that abortions beyond the first trimester are “immoral”iii and akin to “infanticide”iv. Price’s remarks sparked responses from key Federal Liberal leaders, including Deputy Leader Sussan Ley and Shadow Finance Minister Jane Hume.
Ley assured voters that, “We have no intention to change the settings from a federal health perspective. Obviously, individuals have their own views, but the federal Liberals have no plans to alter the status quo”.v Hume echoed this sentiment, stating, “A Dutton-led Coalition government has no plans, no policy, and no interest in unwinding women’s reproductive rights”. vi
Despite this, the courageous stances of Price and Canavan offer a sharp contrast to the evasive strategies we’ve seen. Canavan defended his Bill passionately, saying, “I support the bill because all Australians deserve care. We know from first-hand accounts of midwives that babies are sometimes tragically born alive and not provided with care. That’s a clear injustice that should be corrected.”vii
Their approach serves as a clear lesson for Dutton. Instead of deflecting, he should seize the opportunity to educate himself and challenge Labor directly. Imagine Labor being forced to answer straightforward yet powerful questions: What exactly is an abortion? What’s really in the womb? These are questions that strike at the heart of the debate and expose the indefensible nature of pro-abortion and anti-life rhetoric.
As we head into the Federal election, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The conversation around abortion is gaining momentum, and leaders have a choice: avoid the issue or confront it head-on with truth and courage. Let’s hope Dutton and his team choose the latter. Integrity matters.
i The Guardian. “Peter Dutton rules out Coalition abortion policy changes and blasts MPs for stirring debate.” Accessed 5 November, 2024. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/nov/05/peter-dut ton-liberal-coalition-abortion-policy-ntwnfb
ii Sydney Morning Herald. “ Canavan d efies Dutton edict, won’t withdraw abortion bill”, Accessed November 6, 2024. https://www.smh. com.au/politics/federal/canavan-defies-dutton-edict-won-t-withdraw-abortion-bill-20241106- p5koe2.html
iii Sky News, “Jacinta Price questions abortion access in light of LNP’s new statement”, Accessed 19 November, 2024. https://www. skynews.com.au/australia-news/politics/ jacinta-price-questions-abortion-access-in- l ight -of – lnps-new- statement /video/ ba5fc556dca4346cb472833f757ad37a
iv The Guardian. “Peter Dutton rules out Coalition abortion policy changes and blasts MPs for stirring debate.” Accessed 5 November, 2024. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/nov/05/peter-dut ton-liberal-coalition-abortion-policy-ntwnfb
v Sky News, “Jacinta Price questions abortion access in light of LNP’s new statement”, Accessed 19 November, 2024. https://www. skynews.com.au/australia-news/politics/ jacinta-price-questions-abortion-access-in- l ight -of – lnps-new- statement /video/ ba5fc556dca4346cb472833f757ad37a
vi Sky News, “Jacinta Price questions abortion access in light of LNP’s new statement”, Accessed 19 November, 2024. https://www. skynews.com.au/australia-news/politics/ jacinta-price-questions-abortion-access-in- l ight -of – lnps-new- statement /video/ ba5fc556dca4346cb472833f757ad37a
vii The Guardian. “Peter Dutton rules out Coalition abortion policy changes and blasts MPs for stirring debate.” Accessed 5 November, 2024. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/nov/05/peter-dut ton-liberal-coalition-abortion-policy-ntwnf