As the Queensland election campaign heats up, a previously unreported interview from 2023 has surfaced, revealing opposition leader David Crisafulli’s stance on abortion—a topic he has dodged more than 132 times during the current campaign. The unearthed remarks, made at a Griffith University event, shed light on Crisafulli’s personal beliefs and promise of a conscience vote for MPs on the contentious issue.
“I Don’t Believe in Late-Term Abortions”
When pressed by former ABC journalist Kerry O’Brien on his position regarding abortion and women’s rights, Crisafulli responded, “I don’t believe in late-term abortions.” He elaborated, stating that he had voted against the 2018 legislation legalizing abortion in Queensland because he felt the bill went too far. However, Crisafulli assured that he would never support recriminalizing abortion.
I voted against the legislation, and I did so, and I articulated my reasons because I thought the content of the bill was too far.
David Crisafulli, Queensland LNP Leader
Promise of a Conscience Vote
Significantly, Crisafulli pledged that issues related to abortion would be subject to a conscience vote, allowing MPs to vote according to their personal beliefs rather than along party lines. “I will never, ever be the kind of leader that tries to lock people into that,” he asserted, emphasizing his support for MPs who wished to vote in favor of abortion rights.
Dodging the Question on the Campaign Trail
Despite his clear stance expressed in the 2023 interview, Crisafulli has consistently avoided directly answering questions about his position on abortion during the current election campaign. He has dodged the issue more than 132 times, leading to growing speculation and criticism from opponents.
Last week, Crisafulli offered a “personal guarantee” that his party would not change the abortion law, but he has yet to rule out a conscience vote or clarify his own views on the matter. This ambiguity has left voters and commentators questioning his true intentions and the potential impact on abortion rights in Queensland.
Katter’s Australian Party’s Proposed Bill
The issue has gained particular urgency due to Katter’s Australian Party’s promise to reintroduce a bill that would require health practitioners to provide medical care to individuals born as a result of a termination. KAP leader Robbie Katter has indicated that the strength of the proposed legislation could depend on the number of conservative LNP MPs elected in October.
Implications for the Election and Beyond
The resurfacing of Crisafulli’s 2023 remarks has the potential to shift the tenor of the election campaign, forcing the LNP leader to confront the issue head-on. With several LNP candidates expressing pro-life views or a desire to amend existing abortion laws, the question of a conscience vote and the party’s overall stance on reproductive rights has become increasingly pressing.
As voters head to the polls, the clarity and consistency of Crisafulli’s position on abortion, as well as the LNP’s intentions regarding any future legislative changes, are likely to be closely scrutinized. The outcome of the election and the composition of the new parliament could have significant implications for the future of abortion rights in Queensland.
The unearthed interview has brought David Crisafulli’s personal beliefs on abortion into sharp focus, raising questions about his leadership, transparency, and the potential impact on women’s reproductive rights in Queensland. As the election campaign enters its final stages, the LNP leader’s stance on this critical issue is set to come under intense scrutiny, with voters demanding clear answers and commitments from all parties and candidates.
