Abbott on Abortion

It was to be expected. The government will soon have the means to pass whatever laws as they like, and the arch conservatives are starting to spruik their pet causes. On AM this morning Tony Abbot tried to kick off a debate about abortion.

From the ABC transcript:

TONY ABBOTT: I certainly share the concerns that many people have about the number of abortions that are taking place in Australia today. We have something like 100,000 abortions a year, 25 per cent of all pregnancies end in abortion and even the most determined pro-choice advocates these days seem to be rightly concerned at the way that the abortion epidemic has developed.

But certainly the Government has no plans to change existing policy at this time.

MATT BROWN: Can you guarantee then that there won't be a change during this term of government?

TONY ABBOTT: You can never absolutely guarantee anything, but…

MATT BROWN: Well you can.

TONY ABBOTT: Well…

MATT BROWN: You're the Minister, you can say you won't do it.

TONY ABBOTT: Well, the Government obviously continues with existing policy until existing policy is changed. But the point that I've made often enough Matt is that there's not currently a constituency for change, but I think a debate has started in the community and let's see where the debate goes.

Doesn't take much reading between the lines to realise what Abbott wants to achieve. More interesting is his response when pressed about whom he's been talking to about the issue.

TONY ABBOTT: Well as I said the Government policy hasn't changed, let's see where this debate develops.

MATT BROWN: What's the Prime Minister's view on this? Have you spoken to him about it?

TONY ABBOTT: I have lots of conversations with the PM on lots of subjects.

MATT BROWN: Has this been a subject, this important issue, an issue in which you're trying to build a constituency for change?

TONY ABBOTT: Matt, I don't ask you about conversations which you have with your colleagues and you will kindly return the compliment.

MATT BROWN: Is it too sensitive an issue for you?

TONY ABBOTT: (pause)

MATT BROWN: Minister?

Minister, is there any work being done in your portfolio, in your department, to examine this issue of abortion?

TONY ABBOTT: (silence)

MATT BROWN: How do you expect the public to respond to this issue now that it's being raised by the Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary for Health, do you think there might be more of a public debate?

TONY ABBOTT: Well I think there is a debate developing in the community and let's see where it goes.

Brown had every right to ask whether this subject is being bandied about the government. The public has a right to know if the government is thinking about changes to this area, or any other policy subject, for that matter. Abbott was being a bit too precious by not answering the question.

Abbott's views regarding abortion are well known, and he has every right to air them. But the public also has a right to know if this issue is up for government review. It either is or isn't. Abbott brought the subject up, and he should be forthright regarding the government's intentions.