Joanna Howe, an anti-abortion activist, recently found herself at odds with a prominent figure in the Liberal Party during a Women’s Council meeting. The former Deputy Premier of South Australia, Vickie Chapman, expressed her disapproval of filming during the event, but her objections were ultimately overruled by the majority.
Senator Alex Antic is anticipated to assume the role of state president of the Liberal Party, with nominations set to close this Friday. The Women’s Council meeting highlighted the ideological divisions within the South Australian Liberal Party, particularly as Howe, who has gained recognition for her anti-abortion stance, confronted Chapman.
Howe, invited to speak at the Council’s annual general meeting alongside Senator Antic, claimed she had received prior approval to film her speech. However, Chapman opposed this decision, as evident in a video shared by Howe, where Chapman motions against the filming. “In my 50 years with the Liberal Party, I’ve never witnessed any meetings being filmed,” she stated. She suggested that audio recording could be acceptable if approved by the attendees, but insisted that no video recording take place.
In response, Howe conveyed her reasoning for wanting to film her address was to prevent any misrepresentation in the media. “My message to Vickie Chapman might be, ‘You haven’t seen this in 50 years, but times have changed, Vickie,’” she remarked during the meeting. Following a vote, Howe was granted permission to film, leading Chapman and a few supporters to exit the meeting.
The Liberal Women’s Council, an established entity within the party, convened to elect new leadership and delegates for the State Council, which plays a role in choosing the state president and voting on senate preselection for both state and federal levels. During the meeting, Irena Zagladov, a Tea Tree Gully Councillor backed by Senator Antic, was elected as the council president, with Antic-supported candidates securing all twelve delegate positions available that evening.
Although Professor Howe is not a member of the Liberal Party, she was invited as a guest speaker. She previously held membership in the Labor Party until her expulsion earlier this year due to her campaign against the party during the last state election. In a subsequent social media video, Howe and her husband referred to Chapman and her supporters in derogatory terms, characterizing them as “witches” who support abortion.
Chapman has been a key advocate for abortion reform in South Australia and was instrumental in its decriminalization in 2021. Howe’s comments in the video included a controversial statement celebrating Chapman’s political departure, suggesting that it marked a significant victory for conservatives.
Chapman has been approached for her perspective on the incident. Alongside other party leaders, including former Premier Steven Marshall and former federal ministers, she represents a more moderate faction within the party. Deputy Opposition Leader Josh Teague publicly distanced himself from Howe’s remarks, emphasizing the need for respectful public discourse. “We must conduct ourselves with respect and decency in public debates,” he stated, expressing confidence in Chapman’s ability to manage the situation. “Vickie is resilient and knows how to navigate public discussions effectively,” he added.
The leadership landscape within the party has shifted in recent years, with conservatives increasingly assuming key roles. Senator Antic’s expected ascension to state president appears to be uncontested, as no other candidates have come forward before the nomination deadline. Fellow conservative Tony Pasin commented on the heightened scrutiny surrounding the party’s right wing, noting the coinciding rise of One Nation’s popularity and the perceived attempts to undermine conservative voices within the Liberal Party.
