Queensland MPs keeping quiet on decriminalisation of abortion debate

STATE MPs on both sides are keeping their cards close to their chest as the Parliament prepares to debate the decriminalisation of abortion.

A dog at a pro-choice anti-abortion rally outside Queensland State Parliament in 2016. Picture: Claudia Baxter

STATE MPs on both sides are keeping their cards close to their chest as the Parliament prepares to debate the decriminalisation of abortion.

Pro-choice protesters attend an anti-abortion rally outside Queensland State Parliament in 2016. Picture: Claudia Baxter

The Courier-Mail contacted all members of Parliament and fewer than a dozen were willing to reveal their voting intentions on both Bills.

LNP MPs were expected to make a decision on how they would vote on the second reform Bill introduced by independent MP Rob Pyne at a party room meeting today.

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad yesterday said it would be “nonsensical” if LNP MPs were denied a conscience vote on the second Bill, despite being granted a free vote on the first Bill introduced by Mr Pyne – the Abortion Law Reform (Women’s Right to Choose) Amendment Bill.

She encouraged Opposition members who supported the reforms to cross the floor and said she would consider her role in the amendment process ahead of this week’s vote in Parliament.

“Many Bills require amendment from time to time in order to attract majority support to pass the Parliament,” she said.

“That will be subject to discussion between now and debate on the Bills.”

Shadow Attorney-General Ian Walker and LNP MP Verity Barton have confirmed they would vote against both Bills.

Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls was among the Opposition MPs who declined to outline their position.

Only six government MPs, including Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman, indicated they would vote in favour of the Bills in combination.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk yesterday said abortion should not be in the criminal code, but she had not decided which way she would vote on the Bills.

Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey and Kallangur MP Shane King were among several Government MPs who said they were pro-choice but were yet to decide how they would vote on the Bills.

One Nation MP Steve Dickson and independent MP Billy Gordon did not respond to The Courier-Mail’s request for comment.

It is understood Katter’s Australian Party MPs, Robbie Katter and Shane Knuth, intend on voting against the ­reforms.

The debate is expected to take place on Wednesday.