2025-02-04
The Victorian Greens will second read their Bill to Parliament and will force a debate to enshrine abortion services into the Victorian Constitution, safeguarding access to abortion from future conservative State governments.
Separate to the Bill, the Upper House will debate a Greens motion committing the Parliament to guard against the current and future political threats to the provision of safe abortion services in the State.
The Greens Bill would require a supermajority, and while the Premier has been clear she’s committed to protecting reproductive rights, support from some Liberal MPs would likely still be necessary to make the change.
The Greens wrote to the new Opposition Leader Brad Battin regarding his position on the Bill several weeks ago, but have yet to receive a reply.
It comes after the Liberal leadership spill that saw many in the anti-abortion faction of the party oust the former moderate Liberal Leader John Pesutto, who had expressed his personal support for abortion and said he would put it to a conscience vote.
The last time the Liberals were in power under Denis Napthine they were considering winding back Victoria's abortion laws.
The moves come in response to renewed attempts from some Liberal and National MPs around the country to wind-back abortion laws in Parliaments across Australia.
State Greens Leader Ellen Sandell said that protecting abortion was especially necessary in Victoria, given the rise of the staunchly anti-abortion faction of the Victorian Liberal Party under its new Leader Brad Battin.
Greens Spokesperson for Health Dr. Sarah Mansfield, a former regional GP, will second read the Greens Bill on Wednesday.
Quotes attributable to the Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell:
“It’s frightening that all it takes is for a change of government to threaten our right to safely access abortion in Victoria, especially when the Liberals are lurching further to the right here.
“People deserve to know where their leaders sit when it comes to their reproductive rights and access to essential healthcare.
“In little over a month as leader Brad Battin has welcomed one anti-abortion MP back to the Liberal Party, promoted another to the shadow cabinet, and pre-selected a third as a candidate for an upcoming by-election”
Quotes attributable to the Victorian Greens Health Spokesperson, Dr Sarah Mansfield:
“Abortion is already a postcode lottery in Victoria, we can’t risk a change in government further threatening access to this essential healthcare.
“We know that the last time the Liberals were in government in Victoria they considered winding back our abortion laws.
“Our reproductive rights have been hard-won, but it’s clear the fight isn’t over. Around the world, and here in Australia, we are seeing a renewed attack on reproductive rights from conservative politicians.
“If there was ever a time to do this, it’s now. The Greens call on the Parliament to finally protect Victorians’ reproductive rights forever.”