’Robo calls’ anger Pyne
CAIRNS MP Rob Pyne has cried foul over “robo-calls” to his constituents with anonymous critics accusing him of supporting abortions of ninemonth old babies.
The independent Member claims several people have contacted his office with concerns about automated calls that suggest he is supportive of the termination of healthy pregnancies days before childbirth.
Earlier this year, the prochoice advocate withdrew his abortion reform bills from Queensland Parliament, referring the issue to the Queensland Law Reform Commission.
The reforms are not likely to be considered until the next term of government if Labor wins the election.
Mr Pyne said the robo-calls about nine-month abortions were “bizarre in the extreme”, pointing out there was no such medical procedure.
He said the calls – the worst he has encountered since he launched his pro-choice campaign – basically described him as a child murderer.
“I’m hoping this will backfire on whomever’s doing this,” he said.
It is the second attack on Mr Pyne this week with several campaign signs belonging to the independent MP and ALP opponent Michael Healy de- faced with stick-on notes saying “it’s OK to be white.”
Mr Pyne said the notes were “absolutely shameful.”
“I am proud of my strong links with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island community, as I am of my links with our migrant community,” he said.
Mr Healy told reporters yesterday he had to remove three of the signs from his corflutes.
“I’m still trying to work out what (the notes) mean,” Mr Healy said.
Cairns Pro-Choice campaigner Dr Carole Ford said the attacks on Mr Pyne were unfair, but to be expected.
“It’s not at all surprising that Rob’s being attacked by people,” she said.
“I know that members of parliament that have been supportive of abortions in former campaigns have been sent some really terrible photographs, and all that sort of thing.”
I AM PROUD OF MY STRONG LINKS WITH OUR ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLAND COMMUNITY, AS I AM OF MY LINKS WITH OUR MIGRANT COMMUNITY