Queensland voters have warned the major political parties not to unwind reproductive rights at the looming federal election.
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Liberal National Party leader David Crisafulli claimed victory in the Queensland contest on Saturday night, putting an end to Labor's nine-year reign.
The LNP will likely have a majority, but the win was not the landslide opinion polls had predicted.
Federal Nationals leader David Littleproud conceded Mr Crisafulli's handling of the abortion debate had an impact.
David Littleproud believes the abortion debate cost the LNP votes. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)
"It cost the LNP some votes," Mr Littleproud told Sky News on Sunday.
"David (Crisafulli), on reflection, would probably prefer to have been stronger in his language - in being certain that there won't be any changes to the laws."
Abortion emerged as a major issue after Queensland crossbencher Robbie Katter announced he would introduce a bill to repeal pregnancy termination laws.
He later walked back his proposal to "born alive" legislation, but reproduction rights became a major focus of debate.
Mr Crisafulli was asked more than 100 times about his stance on abortion before finally clarifying he supported a woman's right to choose.
This was a significant driving factor for voting women, federal cabinet minister Murray Watt said.
"The confusion and uncertainty around the LNP position on abortion really cut through," he told Sky News.
"People in this day and age were horrified to think that a government might be looking at recriminalising abortion."
David Crisafulli is adamant Queensland isn't going down the path of US politics. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)
Comparisons have been drawn between elections in Queensland and the US, where abortion could be a deciding topic in the presidential vote.
Reflecting on his win, Mr Crisafulli maintained there were stark differences between his state and US politics.
"There's robust debate and conflicts of ideas and then there's out-and-out blatant mistruths," he told reporters on Sunday.
"The latter can't become part of modern politics.
"We are not the US ... because of compulsory voting, we have the great ability to speak to the majority rather than the extremes."
Abortion is legal in every Australian state and territory, but its access has come under attack in recent weeks.
In South Australia, a proposal to ban pregnancy terminations after 28 weeks was shut down by a single vote in October.
Coalition senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price took abortion to the national arena days before the Queensland election after reportedly claiming late-term pregnancy termination was akin to "infanticide".
Mr Littleproud says there are no plans to take the issue to a federal election, which must occur by May 2025.
"It's not an issue for the federal party to enter into," he said.
Anthony Albanese says the odds of victory were always against Steven Miles. (Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)
The Queensland LNP appears poised to win majority with 48 seats to Labor's 30, though 11 remain in doubt.
Despite Labor's loss, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to outgoing premier Steven Miles for helping retain seats believed to be under threat and gaining a seat from the Greens.
"Steven Miles ran an effective, vigilant and courageous campaign," he told reporters in Sydney on Sunday.
"He was always against the odds, but the outcome was much better for Queensland Labor than what was anticipated."
The Greens, which held two seats in the previous parliament, are yet to officially win an electorate.
This has bolstered Labor's prospects of reclaiming some Queensland electorates lost to the minor party at the 2022 federal election.
Congratulations to — Peter Dutton (@PeterDutton_MP) @DavidCrisafulli and his @LNPQLD Team.Queenslanders wanted change, and they've voted for it.They wanted action on crime, cost of living, health and housing, and they've voted for it. I wish David and his new LNP Government all the best on delivering a…October 26, 2024
Mr Crisafulli said he spoke with the prime minister on Sunday morning and vowed to fight for Queensland.
Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton congratulated Queensland's 41st premier.
"Queenslanders wanted change, and they've voted for it," he said.
Australian Associated Press