Weasel Words Won’t Cut It: Former LNP Minister Warns of Looming Threat to Reproductive and Voluntary Assisted Dying Rights
Former LNP Minister Jann Stuckey has expressed fears that Queensland’s Liberal National Party (LNP) may overturn abortion and voluntary assisted dying (VAD) laws if elected on October 26. Stuckey, who left the party in 2020, voiced her concerns that despite David Crisafulli’s promises, intense lobbying from anti-choice MPs and other political factions will push for changes.
Stuckey emphasised that Crisafulli, who personally voted against the Termination of Pregnancy Act in 2018 and VAD in 2021, cannot guarantee these laws are safe under his leadership. She warned that the LNP’s internal divisions mean that private members' bills or influence from Katter's Australian Party could still introduce restrictive legislation.
Stuckey also highlighted the LNP’s history of silencing members who supported reproductive rights, noting that she and others faced bullying and harassment within the party after voting to legalise abortion.
Crisafulli’s efforts to quell fears by claiming abortion law reform is "not part of our plan" have done little to alleviate concerns. His stance is further undermined by pro-life candidates like Amanda Stoker and Freya Ostapovitch, who continue to advocate against abortion rights.
Beware of Backdoor Attacks on Reproductive Rights
Stuckey’s warning underscores a critical issue facing Queensland voters—despite Crisafulli’s public reassurances, there is a real danger that reproductive rights could be rolled back if the LNP gains power. Crisafulli may claim he won’t change these laws, but his record and the makeup of his party tell a different story. His refusal to rule out a conscience vote, combined with pressure from anti-abortion MPs, makes it clear that no promise is truly safe.
This isn’t the first time the LNP has tried to have it both ways—publicly offering reassurances before an election, only to pursue their real agenda behind closed doors once in power. With pro-life candidates like Susanna Damianopoulos and Freya Ostapovitch standing for election and frontbenchers openly opposing abortion, it’s obvious that the fight for control of women’s bodies is far from over.
"Weasel Words" Won't Save Our Rights
Stuckey’s point about “weasel words” cuts to the heart of the issue. A politician’s vague promises are meaningless when MPs within the party actively push for restrictions. With a majority of LNP MPs voting against legalising abortion in 2018, the party’s internal dynamics suggest they haven’t changed their stance—they’ve only changed their public messaging.
Politicians Shouldn’t Control Our Bodies
This fight isn’t just about political manoeuvring—it’s about who has control over our bodies. Stuckey’s statement captures it perfectly: decisions about abortion should belong to the individual, not to politicians in party rooms. When candidates like Amanda Stoker suggest banning abortions in cases of rape, it becomes painfully clear that personal freedoms are under direct threat.
No one should have to live in fear that their right to bodily autonomy could be taken away at the whim of politicians, whether it’s the right to choose an abortion or to access voluntary assisted dying.
Why Voting Matters More Than Ever
With Queensland’s election just around the corner, it’s vital for voters to see through the LNP’s misleading promises. Crisafulli’s vague reassurances won’t protect our rights if the hardliners in his party push for a conscience vote or introduce new bills. Every vote in this election counts—our reproductive freedom and access to healthcare depend on it.
Queenslanders need to vote for candidates who are committed to upholding reproductive and end-of-life rights, not just with empty words, but with their actions. Share this message, engage with your community, and make sure the candidates in your electorate are held accountable.
This election is about a fight to protect our right to choose. Let’s ensure we send a message loud and clear: Our bodies, our choices.
