Anti-abortion row deepens Liberal Party divide in South Australia

A political storm has erupted in South Australia after prominent anti-abortion campaigner Joanna Howe referred to former deputy premier Vickie Chapman as a “witch” during a podcast, reigniting tensions between the moderate and conservative wings of the state Liberal Party.

Howe, who hosts The Dr Jo Show, made the comment alongside her husband James on an episode that also included the phrase “we put her in the baby killers club.” The remarks follow a heated exchange at the Liberal Women’s Council annual general meeting on August 3, where Howe appeared as a guest speaker alongside conservative Senator Alex Antic.

What happened at the Liberal Women’s Council meeting?

At the meeting, Chapman objected to the event being filmed, arguing it was not a public gathering. Her bid to stop cameras was rejected, marking the first time recording had been permitted inside the council’s proceedings. Several members, including Chapman, walked out in protest.

“In 50-odd years I’ve been working in the Liberal Party, known any other meetings to be filmed,” Chapman said.

How did political leaders respond?

South Australian Education Minister Lucy Hood condemned the podcast remarks on Thursday, calling them “disgusting” and saying the situation had “reached a new level.”

“It’s unacceptable to call a pioneering woman of the Liberal Party a witch,” Hood said.

Howe rejected the criticism, claiming she has spoken at Labor events over the years, including functions attended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. She defended her language by saying, “I didn’t use the term witch as an insult … in western folklore, a witch is someone who loves killing babies and children.”

The state government seized on the divide, calling on opposition leader Ashton Hurn to respond. Deputy Opposition Leader Josh Teague said, “I don’t support the remarks that have been reported. The leader’s been very clear about not supporting those comments.”

Teague accused Labor of selectively calling out personal attacks, pointing to silence when Howe targeted Labor MP Nat Cook earlier this year. Cook was filmed being repeatedly asked for an interview by Howe at a pre-poll booth during the state election.

“I didn’t see Lucy Hood there defending her colleague,” Teague said.

Who is Joanna Howe?

Howe holds a PhD in migration law, previously worked for the Australian Workers Union, and was a paid-up member of SA Labor until she was expelled after campaigning against the party during the 2026 election. She remains banned from attending SA Parliament galleries.

She has become one of South Australia’s most prominent anti-abortion campaigners, most recently backing Family First MLC Sarah Game’s 2026 abortion bill. The legislation passed the upper house but was overwhelmingly rejected by the lower house, where MPs voted 36 to nine against it.

What is Vickie Chapman’s background?

Chapman retired from politics in 2022 after a two-decade career, becoming the first female deputy leader of the Liberal Party and serving as attorney-general under former premier Steven Marshall. She remains active within the party.

The incident underscores the ongoing internal struggle within the SA Liberal Party between its moderate and conservative factions, a dynamic that continues to shape state politics.

Photo: 7NEWS.com.au