Analysis: Qld Premier David Crisafulli’s abortion decision proves a bigger issue

In gagging the 93 members of parliament in a desperate move on abortion, Queensland’s democratic institution has been trampled, writes state political editor Hayden Johnson.

Leader of the Katter Australia Party Robbie Katter was among those to savage the abortion decision. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell

• Any change to abortion laws blocked

Queensland’s democratic institution has been trampled in the Premier’s desperate attempt to avoid a politically deadly backroom revolt on abortion.

Mr Crisafulli has gagged 93 members of parliament from tinkering or repealing termination of pregnancy laws.

While the Premier might claim this is delivering on an election commitment he repeated more than 130 times in the campaign – “No change” to abortion laws – this instead indicates a lack of faith in his ability to keep the government unified on an abortion vote.

LNP convention allows members a conscience vote on any matters of life and death.

Had the Premier been confident his MPs would deliver on that election pledge he would have trusted them to follow his order and vote against any change to abortion.

Premier David Crisafulli may have opened up a can of worms.

The only way Mr Crisafulli could be confident his key pledge could be delivered was to ban anyone from debating it.

As a ropeable Katter’s Australian Party leader Robbie Katter rightly outlined, banning an MP from attempting to introduce or change laws is a slippery slope never before seen in this parliament.

■ Qld’s history of abortion debate

Banning parliament from debating any issue that would affect the delivery of an election promise is a dangerous precedent.

Annastacia Palaszczuk was found in contempt of parliament for threatening to strip KAP staff because she didn’t agree with them, so how can this Premier get away with removing their tongue?

This isn’t about abortion, but an MP’s right to debate what matters to their constituents.

Any ordinary Queenslander attempting to stop an MP from doing their job would be slapped with a criminal charge.

Twice in two sitting days, Mr Crisafulli has bypassed proper process to ram through changes under the guise of fulfilling election commitments.

First, the LNP heaped what should have been a sensitive repeal of Path to Treaty to an upbeat vote on the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Mr Crisafulli has the mandate, but he must return to govern with the respect and decency he promised.