“I Have To Stand Up For What I Believe”

Mackay MP Crosses Parliament Floor To End Abortion Gag

Mackay MP Nigel Dalton has made national headlines after crossing the floor of Parliament to challenge his own LNP’s gag order on abortion debate. Labelled both a ‘hero’ and a ‘rebel,’ Dalton broke party protocol in what he describes as a stand for his personal beliefs.

The motion, in place since 2024, had previously silenced MPs on the topic. Mr Dalton told pro-life activist Dr Howe in an interview on Tuesday, 10th February, that he “regrets” not speaking up sooner, citing “naivety” and a lack of understanding of parliamentary process.

“This is my time to redeem myself… in the eyes of the public, but also in the eyes of God. That’s who I serve,” he said.

Dalton’s move has sparked debate across parties and the community, drawing criticism from pro-choice activists and praise from supporters who say his stance reflects conscience and accountability. Despite the controversy, he remains steadfast, showing the weight a single MP can carry in reigniting public conversation on complex issues.

Conviction Over Compliance

Local MP Acts On Personal Beliefs Despite Backlash

A local MP has been labelled both a ‘hero’ and a ‘rebel’ following backlash from opposing political leaders and pro-choice activists after crossing the floor of Parliament in what he describes as a stand for his personal beliefs.

On Tuesday, 10^th February, Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton made national headlines after breaking with his own LNP party protocols to vote in support of removing the current gag order motion that prevents MPs from speaking on abortion.

The motion has been in place since 2024 under the Queensland Government.

Prior to the election, Mr Dalton agreed alongside other local representatives that there would be no changes to abortion laws. However, he now says he “regrets” that agreement.

In an interview with pro-life activist Dr Howe, Mr Dalton acknowledged he needed to apologise to the community for not taking a stand sooner.

“My regret is that I didn’t stand up earlier… I should have stood up during the campaign,” he said, attributing his earlier silence to “naivety,” and, “not fully understanding the parliamentary process.”

“I’m not blaming anybody for that… that’s my fault.”

Mr Dalton said that once he became aware that Robbie Katter intended to raise discussion around abortion laws, he felt compelled to act.

“This is my time to redeem myself… in the eyes of the public, but also in the eyes of God. That’s who I serve,” he said.

“This is a personal response… this is me getting right with God and the community who voted for me.”

Mr Dalton affirmed his decision was rooted in personal beliefs, rather than politics.

“Whether I’m in a school situation, a business situation or a political situation, I have to stand up for what I believe. My response to this issue was that I had to cross the floor.”

While the issue remains a sensitive topic, his actions have sparked significant debate across the political spectrum and within the wider community. The move has raised questions about why MPs were restricted from speaking on the matter and reignited discussion among advocacy groups on both sides.

Criticism has come particularly from pro-choice activists who argue that abortion legislation should remain centred on women’s rights. Supporters, however, say Mr Dalton’s decision reflects his commitment to conscience and accountability.

Whether viewed as courageous or controversial, Mr Dalton’s decision to cross the floor has positioned him at the centre of one of the state’s most divisive debates, and firmly in the national spotlight.

While opinions remain divided, the move has intensified discussion around parliamentary protocol, freedom of conscience, and the broader abortion debate in Queensland.

At the time of publication, no changes have been made to the gag order. However, Mr Dalton’s stance has underscored the impact a single vote can have in reigniting public conversation on complex viewpoints.

Despite potential political repercussions, he has remained firm in his position, a decision supporters describe as honourable, and critics as contentious.

Cover: On Tuesday, 10^th February, Mackay MP Nigel Dalton crossed the Parliament floor to challenge his party’s gag order on abortion, citing personal conviction, sparking national debate and both criticism and praise. Photo source: Nigel Dalton MP

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