LNP MP Crosses Floor on Abortion Debate in Queensland Parliament

Queensland Liberal National Party (LNP) Member of Parliament for Mackay, Nigel Dalton, voted against his party's position on Tuesday, supporting a motion to reverse the LNP-imposed ban on parliamentary debate regarding abortion laws. The motion, introduced by Katter's Australian Party (KAP), ultimately failed due to a lack of government support.

This action by Mr. Dalton marked the first instance of a government member crossing the floor in several parliamentary terms.

LNP's Firm Stance and Election Promises

The LNP had committed during its 2024 election campaign, under then-opposition leader David Crisafulli, that there would be no alterations to abortion legislation. Following its electoral success, the LNP implemented a ban on parliamentary discussion concerning these laws.

Premier Crisafulli has consistently reaffirmed the government's commitment to maintaining the current abortion laws. He states that "there wouldn't be change" and that this position was not part of the party's plan.

MP Nigel Dalton's "Deeply Personal" Decision

Mr. Dalton, a first-term MP, described his decision to vote for the motion as "deeply personal." He expressed regret for his prior vote to support the gag order in 2024, attributing it to "naivety" and insufficient understanding of parliamentary procedures. Mr. Dalton stated that his anti-abortion views span approximately 30 years.

In a YouTube interview with an anti-abortion campaigner, he indicated:

"to redeem myself in the eyes of the public, say sorry, but also in the eyes of God. That’s who I serve. I don’t serve anybody else."

He also advised fellow party members feeling pressured to remain silent:

"The battle is not against people. It’s against principalities. It’s against demons. And you have to put on the full armour of God. You have to be sure in your faith, and the Lord will look after you."

Mr. Dalton acknowledged that while some constituents might view his defiance negatively, others in Mackay would appreciate his stance. He also stated his regret for not having taken this stand earlier, mentioning his participation in press conferences in Mackay where promises of no changes to abortion laws were made, despite his personal disbelief in that statement.

The Parliamentary Vote and Outcome

On Tuesday, Mr. Dalton voted in favor of a motion introduced by Katter's Australian Party. The motion sought to allow the crossbench to ask parliament to overturn the LNP-imposed gag order on abortion debate within the Queensland Parliament. Mr. Dalton's vote was contrary to the LNP's established position, but the motion did not pass due to a lack of government support.

Reactions from Political Figures

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli reaffirmed the government's commitment to no changes in abortion laws. He stated that Mr. Dalton met with him on Monday and subsequently crossed the floor without the Premier's approval.

Premier Crisafulli commented on the vote:

"We took a position to the election, and that position remains. You know my position. There was a lot of talk about this for the election, and I said to you, there wouldn’t be change. And I’d like to think that today reaffirms that overwhelmingly."

KAP leader Robbie Katter expressed surprise at Mr. Dalton's vote, describing it as a:

"display of bravery from an MP who followed his conscience."

Shadow Health Minister Shannon Fentiman of the Labor Party commented that:

"Mr. Dalton's action suggested a potential loss of control by Premier Crisafulli over his MPs."
Ms. Fentiman also stated that Labor opposed the parliamentary gag on abortion debate, advocating for continued discussion on women's reproductive healthcare rights.

Historical Context of Abortion Legislation

Abortion was decriminalized in Queensland in 2018 by the former Labor government, a measure against which Mr. Crisafulli voted at the time. Current LNP Health Minister Tim Nicholls and Customer Services Minister Steve Minnikin were among a minority of LNP members who voted in favor of the change in 2018. Numerous members of the current Crisafulli government had previously voted against the bill legalizing abortion in 2018.

In a parliamentary session, opposition leader Steven Miles questioned Premier Crisafulli about an email from the anti-abortion organization Cherish Life, which reportedly cited Oodgeroo MP Amanda Stoker as suggesting that changes to abortion law might occur in a subsequent term. Premier Crisafulli reiterated his commitment that there would be "no change" to the laws.