Women's groups have welcomed Dominic Perrottet's pledge to be the "family Premier" but' some are calling for a guarantee that he will not use his religious beliefs to restrict women's reproductive choices and access to abortions.
Key points:
- Dominic Perrottet is a Catholic father of six with conservative views
- Women's groups have expressed concern the Premier's views on abortion could affect ongoing reforms
- Mr Perrottet says his faith does not affect his capacity to serve as Premier
Mary-Lou Jarvis, president of the NSW Liberal Women's Council, said women voters would identify with the new Premier as the father-of-six was "living the juggle and struggle".
"I think any mother who's been home-schooling kids or juggling work will identify with him," she said.
"I think they'll give him a chance."
She said voters would look at his track record as treasurer in the Berejiklian government.
"I mean, the kids' vouchers, that funding that came out in the last budget for Tresillian for helping new mothers."
She said Mr Perrottet offered "generational change" while continuing the stability and leadership that had been a hallmark of the Berejiklian government.
"He was very much part of the team that has seen us through this pandemic and he has got the experience to take us forward," she said.
But the Catholic father-of-six will have to work hard to connect with women voters who do not share his religious and conservative views and who may be more used to moderate Liberal leaders.
The Women's Electoral Lobby said it was "optimistic" but expressed concern his views on abortion could affect ongoing reforms to give women across the state access to abortions.
AAP: Brendan Esposito
)Mr Perrottet opposed the decriminalisation of abortion during a debate in the NSW Parliament in 2019.
The bill was eventually passed but the reforms are still making their way through the state's health system.
"An overwhelming proportion of both women and men supported decriminalisation of abortion so we expect him to be respectful of that," Mary O'Sullivan, NSW coordinator of the Women's Electoral Lobby, said.
"We trust that the new Premier doesn't draw on private religious beliefs to impede ongoing implementation of the Abortion Law Reform Act through the NSW public health system."
Supplied
)Sexual and reproductive healthcare provider Marie Stopes Australia said it was critical abortion rights did not go "backwards" under Mr Perrottet's leadership.
"Women and pregnant people in the state need piece of mind when it comes to abortion care access and should not live in fear that it could be criminalised once again," managing director Jamal Hakim said.
"We have fought too long to have this human right put in jeopardy once again."
ABC News: Jonathan Hair
)In the past, Mr Perrottet has spoken openly about how his Catholic beliefs have influenced his politics.
At a media conference following the leadership ballot, he was asked about his vote against decriminalising abortion.
"There are always different views and some decisions are sensitive and difficult," he replied.
"The position I took on that was similar to the position that many people in the Parliament took and that many people across our state hold."
He said his Christian faith was something he was "incredibly proud of" and was not something that should exclude him from holding political office.
"Does that in any way take away my capacity to serve as Premier? Well, I don't think so, and I think it is a sad thing that some people do," he said.
The first test of how his personal views will steer his leadership will come next month when Parliament debates the voluntary assisted dying bill.
The new Premier has announced he will allow a conscience vote.
The NSW Liberal Women's Council president said Mr Perrottet's comments demonstrated a commitment to listen to a wide range of views.
"To his credit, he talked about how he wants to have discussions where people don't necessarily agree but they respect that," Ms Jarvis said.
"That is probably inspired by his faith that you don't force your views on others."
Christian group FamilyVoice said it had been in "close contact" with the 39-year-old Premier.
"The Premier's politics are well-grounded in his conservative Christian faith while respecting social questions as matters of individual conscience," spokesman Greg Bondar said.
The Women's Electoral Lobby said there were a number of other bills before Parliament with the potential to have a significant impact on the lives of women and girls in NSW.
These include the education amendment (parental rights in education) bill that proposes changes to sex education and consent education in NSW public schools.
And the anti-discrimination amendment (religious freedom) bill that would provide faith-based organisations with exemptions to discrimination laws.
"The Perrottet government's response to these bills will be one critical marker of their support for women's rights and gender equality," Dr O'Sullivan said.
She called for women to be at the centre of the Premier's COVID-19 recovery plan.
"We will be looking to the Premier to recognise the disproportionate suffering of women during the COVID crisis," Dr O'Sullivan said.
Supplied
)Domestic Violence NSW appealed to the Premier to use his position to create "real change" for the women of NSW.
"There has never been a more dire time for domestic, family and sexual violence," CEO Caitlin Morahan said.
"We look forward to working closely with him to make a much-needed difference for those affected by domestic and family violence."
https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiaGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvbmV3cy8yMDIxLTEwLTA2L3BlcnJvdHRldC11cmdlZC10by1ndWFyYW50ZWUtd29tZW5zLXJlcHJvZHVjdGl2ZS1yaWdodHMvMTAwNTE1ODUw0gEoaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXAuYWJjLm5ldC5hdS9hcnRpY2xlLzEwMDUxNTg1MA?oc=5
2021-10-05 18:04:37Z
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