Voter Verdict: Crisafulli slammed on abortion issue

Undecided Queensland voters have slammed any changes to the state’s abortion laws, calling on David Crisafulli to stop avoiding the issue and guarantee no changes. THIS IS VOTER VERDICT.

Undecided Queensland voters have slammed any changes to the state’s abortion laws, calling on Opposition Leader David Crisafulli to stop avoiding his stance on how he could guarantee there would be no changes to termination of pregnancy laws.

Some of the voters say the laws were considered “progressive” and the “right thing to do” and should not be changed now.

The Courier-Mail’s exclusive Voter Verdict shows a candid election analysis from more than 20 every day Queenslanders sharing their honest opinions.

On Tuesday, Katter’s Australian Party and One Nation said they would propose changes to the state’s abortion laws in the next term of parliament.

Sarah Curry from Wavell Heights said the conversations were really shocking.

Voter Verdict’s Sarah Curry. Pic: Adam Head

“I hoped that in Australia we were firm in our abortion laws and a woman’s right to choose. So the fact that this is coming up scares me a lot,” she said.

“Do not touch these laws, leave them be.”

Gail McIntyre from the Sunshine Coast said if something was already place there was no point in changing it.

“I’m saying we’ve accepted that it was voted on whichever way and life has moved on, how do we go back from something that was seen as progressive and the right thing to do,” she said.

“I think from my point of view. It seems to be coming from very minority parties who could hold a significant amount of power in the new government and I think that’s what has got people more concerned.”

Olivia, 21, from Kelvin Grove.

Olivia from Kelvin Grove said the Katter Party and One Nation introduced “unnecessary chaos” into the election.

Mr Crisafulli said there would be “no change” to the ability of women to access in abortions however he cannot control the laws crossbenchers put forward or what his other members say unless he denies the party a conscience vote.

He refused to say if he would deny MPs a conscience vote or how he could stop changes despite being asked 15 questions on it on Tuesday and again when asked about it on Wednesday.

“David Crisafulli’s avoidance of the abortion topic seems driven by a fear of losing votes. Whichever position he takes will alienate some supporters,” Olivia said.

“While he may think he is being clever, it is clear to many that he is dodging the issue.

“As a young Christian woman, I believe the government should not interfere in personal choices regarding my body; that choice belongs to the person carrying the child.”

Ms Curry said she was disappointed in Crisafulli’s response.

“Just make a decision and be firm and stop tiptoeing around it,” she said.

“So him dodging this answer, that doesn’t actually fill me with a whole lot of confidence at all.

“Have a backbone and show, what kind of leader you’re going to be.

“We need a firm and decisive leader. If you want to be that leader show us now and let us know that you will not let it go to a conscience vote.”

Ms McIntyre said the fact Crisafulli has not made a decision on the conscience vote was his “stumbling block”.

“If he acknowledged how he was going to tell his MPs to vote, I think that would give the voters some form of ease to know what they might have to do if the bills came up,” she said.

Simon Levy, 52 from Margate.

Simon Levy from Margate said maybe the issue of abortion should go to a conscience vote.

“And let each MP ask its constituents what they think or maybe take it a step further and have a referendum, but for me it’s a minor issue,” he said.

“But if the parties are making such a big issue of it, maybe let the people decide.”