Barnaby Joyce has joined anti-abortion campaigners to apply significant political pressure on Nationals MPs, urging them to support a bill that would criminalize sex-selective abortions in New South Wales. The move comes as activists look to capitalize on a polling surge, threatening to campaign for One Nation against major parties in upcoming elections.
Addressing a rally outside the New South Wales parliament on Tuesday night, Joyce urged the crowd to maintain their focus on the legislative effort. “Politically, does this make you popular? Nup, nup. Probably lose half the votes every time you do it. But you know why you do it? Because it’s the right thing to do,” Joyce told the gathering of approximately 1,500 people.
Did You Know?
The proposed legislation, introduced by Libertarian upper house member John Ruddick, specifically targets sex-selective abortion. This represents part of a broader, stated ambition by organizers to introduce annual bills in the state until their legislative goals are met, with future plans to lobby for a ban on late-term abortions.
Dr. Joanna Howe, who organized the rally, warned that One Nation candidates would challenge sitting politicians in Nationals-held seats ahead of the state election in March 2027 if the current bill fails to pass. The legislation is set to be debated in the upper house on Wednesday, with a vote expected in the coming days. If successful, the bill would still require approval in the lower house.
Expert Insight:
The current legislative landscape in New South Wales is characterized by a lack of a clear majority in either house of parliament. Because MPs from the Labor, Liberal, and National parties have been granted conscience votes, the outcome remains highly unpredictable. Independent lower house MP Alex Greenwich has noted that the process is further complicated by the suspension of a Labor minister, leaving control of the upper house in a state of flux.
The push for this legislation has met with opposition. A counter-protest of about 150 people gathered in Martin Place, where speakers highlighted concerns about potential precedents for broader restrictions on reproductive rights. Activists on both sides of the issue are now bracing for the upcoming vote, which represents one of the latest attempts to alter the state’s abortion access laws since they were decriminalized nearly three years ago.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of the bill currently under consideration?
The bill, moved by Libertarian upper house member John Ruddick, seeks to implement a ban specifically on sex-selective abortions.
What happens if the bill passes the upper house?
If the bill passes the upper house, it would then require approval in the lower house before it could become law.
What are the stakes for Nationals MPs according to the organizers?
Organizers have stated that if Nationals MPs do not support the bill, they intend to field One Nation candidates against them in their seats at the state election in March 2027.
How will the upcoming vote influence the long-term political strategy of groups seeking to change abortion laws in New South Wales?
