Qld LNP weighs abortion, euthanasia reform

Queensland's Liberal National Party will consider resolutions on abortion, euthanasia and the need to protect Christmas at the party's annual convention.

A push to block abortion and euthanasia reforms and protect Christmas are on the agenda for Queensland's Liberal National Party state convention.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will address the convention on Saturday, with LNP Queensland leader Deb Frecklington up on Sunday.

The convention is a chance for the rank-and-file members of the party to make their views heard, although the parliamentary wing isn't bound by any resolutions the convention will consider.

Mr Turnbull had a few curve balls lobbed at him by the federal convention last month, with Liberal party branch members voting to privatise the ABC and move the Australian embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

Ms Frecklington looks set to face a few curve balls of her own, especially around the issue of abortion law reform.

The state Labor government has received an Australian Law Reform Commission report on abortion law changes and is expected to bring new legislation to decriminalise abortion to parliament later this year.

Labor will allow its MPs a conscience vote on the issue but Ms Frecklington has not said whether she will give her MPs the same choice.

One resolution calls on LNP MPs to vote according to party policy unless a conscience vote is specifically allowed.

Another calls on the party to reject any attempt to change abortion laws now and in the future, while there are also resolutions to end funding for abortion clinics.

The convention will vote on whether to call on the LNP to oppose any form of assisted dying or euthanasia laws.

A forum on the issue was held at state parliament earlier in July but the government has said it won't consider the issue this year.

The convention will discuss a range of other measures, including calls to push for a coal-fired power station in north Queensland and to "ensure there are no impediments to traditional Christian celebrations such as Christmas and Easter".


Share
Published 5 July 2018 2:18pm
Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world