Minister’s major challenge to Peter Dutton on abortion debate

Labor has demanded Peter Dutton commit to protecting the rights of Australian women in a second face-off between Labor and Liberals on abortion … this time in Canberra.

The Minister for Women is demanding Peter Dutton call on two of his MPs to withdraw an “anti-abortion bill” after the opposition leader delivered a staunch warning to his party room over women’s reproductive rights.

Peter Dutton told his party room in the year’s third last sitting week to stay out of the abortion debate after the issue dogged the Queensland state election.

“It is typical of Peter Dutton to view this purely as a matter of winning or losing votes, rather than any genuine commitment to women’s healthcare,” Katy Gallagher told The Daily Telegraph.

In a challenge to Mr Dutton — Ms Gallagher is demanding he ask Nationals Senator Matt Canavan, and Liberal Senator Alex Antic to withdraw a private bill on protecting the rights of children born alive after an abortion.

Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton during Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NewsWire

The bill was also sponsored by United Australia Party Senator Ralph Babet and seeks to protect the life of babies that are born alive in rare abortion cases by requiring healthcare workers provide them the same care as any other newborn.

“If Peter Dutton wants any credibility on women’s healthcare, he must immediately ensure Senators Canavan and Antic withdraw their dangerous anti-abortion bill currently before the Senate,” Ms Gallagher said.

“This is a test of Peter Dutton’s leadership, and a test of his commitment to the rights of Australian women.”

Mr Dutton told his team on Tuesday they should all “be ready” because the election could be called at “any time”.

The next election is due no later than in May.

Senators Matt Canavan, Malcolm Roberts, Alex Antic and Ralph Babet in the senate at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire

He said issues such as abortion policy could not be addressed by the federal parliament, “so attempts by Labor to draw us off in that area should be seen as exactly what they are … a distraction”.

Mr Canavan and fellow Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price — who has also been vocal on abortion policy — were absent from party room as it was a house only sitting week.

Mr Dutton urged MPs to remain focused on the issues affecting Australians that could be legislated in the parliament.

“The government continues to falter on a number of issues and we need to push harder as the election approaches,” he said.

Senator Katy Gallagher during Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NewsWire

As Mr Dutton reminded his party room to stay disciplined ahead of the election, Anthony Albanese rallied his troops by declaring he was confident Labor can boost its majority.

The Prime Minister told caucus on Tuesday that a series of key policies would be announced “over the next few months”.

The Coalition is also on alert after a rally in Adelaide on the weekend had the hallmarks of an election campaign.

Mr Albanese said Labor’s campaign would be framed around what Labor has done, what it will do, and the risk posed by Mr Dutton.

“We now need to be setting out the next agenda,” he told colleagues.

“Over the next few months there will be a series of key policies announced.

“We don’t want to just be in this room after the next election.

”We want to be here with more members and more senators.”