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FamilyVoice Australia has delivered a stinging rebuke to major parties who “refuse” to reveal their policies ahead of the West Australian State election, especially on abortion.

“Despite persistent attempts to obtain answers to our questions on family policy and the rights of the unborn, major parties are staying silent,” said FamilyVoice WA acting State Director Darryl Budge.

“To refuse to answer is totally unacceptable in a modern democracy,” he said.

Christian advocacy group FamilyVoice Australia runs a survey before each State election and has urged candidates to answer ten questions on family and social policy, including abortion.

“In recent years we have seen candidates gagged, and heard only silence from the major parties on matters of crucial concern,” Mr Budge said.

“We are especially upset on behalf of all voters that parties will not comment on the question of abortion.”

“As the recent withdrawal of the Pyne Abortion Bill in Queensland shows, policy makers should not ignore voters who are concerned about the welfare of mothers and babies.”

The only party to respond was the Australian Christians, including nine female candidates, who collectively responded ‘Yes, definitely’ to restoring laws to protect unborn children from abortion.

“On International Women’s Day, news that at least eleven female candidates oppose abortion should debunk the myth that views on abortion are divided by gender,” said Mr Budge. 

FamilyVoice’s survey asked other questions on prayer, protection for the mentally suicidal and unborn, outdoor advertising, drugs, prostitution, ‘Safe Schools’ and marriage. Full results can be found at survey.fava.org.au.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

Candidates who indicated support for the rights of the unborn include Nick Goiran and (probably) Joe Francis (Liberals), Kate Doust and Teresa Ritchie (ALP), Philip Scot and Terry Popham (One Nation), Callum Burwood (Greens), and David Caudwell (Shooters and Fishers). All Australian Christians candidates also support the rights of the unborn.

Candidates who answered to indicate their support of abortion include Mule Nasteski (Micro Business Party) and independent Craig Buchanan. Animal Justice Party candidate Katrina Love replied as ‘unsure’.