The politics of abortion

After a while, politicians who want a career will start listening. They haven't had to recently because the Liberals have always just assumed that they'll get the pro-life vote. And it's been handed to them for free. And in politics, things that are free are ignored.

But now both Liberal and Labor candidates will be required to compete for the pro-life vote. And that means there will also be a greater pressure to act. From both sides of politics.

And that is why Family First's decision is not just principled politics. It is also pragmatic because it stands the best chance of achieving a positive outcome as well.

There are other parties with pro-life platforms that will also be contesting the Victorian election, such as the Australian Christians and Democratic Labour Party. I support many of the objectives of these parties and I've written previously that cooperation between them would lead to better electoral outcomes.

There would be no better way to kickstart this cooperation than if these other minor conservative parties followed in Family First's footsteps as well. And that would also turn the current headaches in Liberal Party HQ into full-blown migraines.

It's what minor parties should do. If they aren't able to put on the pressure, they might as well not be in the game.