Mander coy about views on abortion

DEPUTY LNP leader Tim Mander has refused to reveal his views on the decriminalisation of abortion until his party room makes a decision.

LNP MPs are expected to discuss the issue at a party room meeting tomorrow, where it will be determined if MPs will be granted a conscience vote on the abortion Bill before the Parliament.

Mr Mander yesterday refused to reveal his views on the decriminalisation of abortion or if he would support any moves for LNP MPs to have a conscience vote.

“I will give my personal view in the realms of the party room,” he said. “You’ll know what the LNP’s position is on Tuesday afternoon.”

The Labor- dominated parliamentary committee examining the Bill handed down their report last week, which included a recommendation for all MPs to be granted a conscience vote.

Mr Mander said the Government was concerned they didn’t have the numbers within their own ranks to get the Bill through Parliament.

“That is why they seem to be so obsessed about what the LNP would do,” he said.

Health Minister Steven Miles welcomed the LNP’s decision to move their party room meeting forward to discuss the Bill.

“It is vital that the Opposition Leader ( Deb Frecklington) guarantee that it will be a true conscience vote, without threat of retribution against members who choose to vote for the Bill,” he said.