‘David Crisafulli may think he’s pulling the wool over the eyes of Queensland’s women, but his polished non-answers and evasive rhetoric only prove one thing: he is not to be trusted when it comes to our reproductive rights. His hollow promises do little to fill women with confidence, and the LNP’s history and internal divisions reveal the real threat that remains under the surface. The LNP are playing both sides of the fence, and Queensland women see right through it,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
Despite his attempts to reassure voters, Crisafulli’s vague pledges about abortion laws do not erase the well-founded concerns of women across the state. The LNP, under his leadership, continues to avoid firm commitments to protect women’s reproductive rights. Former LNP minister Jann Stuckey, who fought for the decriminalisation of abortion in 2018, has voiced her deep concerns that her own party will roll back abortion laws if they gain power. ‘This sentiment is not an isolated one—it reflects the very real fears that Crisafulli, while attempting to reassure, may lack the political strength or conviction to stand up to his own party’s internal agitators,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘Crisafulli’s refusal to guarantee that LNP MPs won’t introduce a private member’s bill to undermine women’s reproductive freedoms speaks volumes. His constant refrain that “there will be no change” offers little comfort when it is clear that individual members of his party are poised to act against the Termination of Pregnancy Act,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘The LNP’s strategy of playing both sides is clear. While Crisafulli claims there will be no changes, his avoidance of addressing whether MPs will have a conscience vote leaves the door wide open for future attempts to erode our rights. The truth is, the women of Queensland—and even the women within the LNP—know better than to trust a party that has repeatedly failed to prioritise women’s health and safety,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
Labor’s $42 million action plan to expand access to medical abortions, particularly in rural and remote areas, stands in stark contrast to the LNP’s silence on women’s health. As pointed out by Labor’s Health Minister Shannon Fentiman, Crisafulli’s health plan fails to even mention women’s health services. ‘For women who fought hard to secure the legal right to safe and affordable abortions, this omission is not just an oversight—it is a glaring red flag,’ said Tabitha Lean.
‘Jann Stuckey’s warnings should not be taken lightly. She knows the LNP and its inner workings better than anyone, and if she is worried about Crisafulli’s ability to protect women’s rights, we should all be paying attention,’ said Tabitha Lean. ‘Queensland women have every reason to be alarmed by the prospect of an LNP government—particularly one that lacks the fortitude to stand up to the anti-choice elements within its own ranks,’ said Tabitha Lean. ‘Crisafulli’s attempt to downplay this issue as being “whipped up for political purposes” is an insult to the thousands of women who fought for the right to access abortion services. This is not just a political talking point—it’s about our lives, our health, and our fundamental rights, its about women’s rights,’ said Tabitha Lean.
‘Crisafulli doesn’t fool us, and he certainly doesn’t fool the women of Queensland. We will not allow the LNP to roll back the clock on reproductive rights, no matter how polished their leader’s non-answers may be,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
For further comment, please contact Debbie Kilroy on 0419 762 474 or Tabitha Lean on 0499 780 226