Shanahan: Religious poll wars local in nature, national in import

The government’s religious protection bill languishes in limbo but the crusade for the votes of the faithful is raging, says Dennis Shanahan.

The religious protection bill still sits half-debated on the government’s agenda with little likelihood of it being introduced before the election in May but the political religious wars of the election have already begun.

The Covid pandemic, economic recovery and even climate change rate well above general public concerns about more religious freedoms but they mean a great deal to particular cultural groups on all sides of politics, as well as being vital in up to 10 seats that could decide the election.

The Coalition and Labor both know how important the issue is and are intent on blaming the other.

Scott Morrison has declared his bitter disappointment at the failure of the bill last week as he argues that he would rather surrender the bill than see it compromised or undermined by those who seek “to undermine religious institutions”.

The Prime Minister also says he has “no regrets” for bringing the bill into parliament for debate and seeks understanding and spiritual support from faith communities.

Anthony Albanese and Kristina Keneally, both from NSW and fully aware of the swath of seats where diverse ethnic and religious groups can dominate an election, are blaming Morrison for not keeping his promise at the election and leaving the debate too late.

In an election that could be decided in just a couple of electorates, this is going to be an intense if localised campaign … and it’s just begun.