Anti-Abortion Campaigner’s Witch Remark Sparks Firestorm in Australian Politics

A political controversy has erupted in South Australia after anti-abortion campaigner Joanna Howe referred to former deputy premier Vickie Chapman as a “witch” during a podcast episode. The incident has exposed deep fractures within the state’s Liberal Party, pitting moderate and conservative factions against each other.

During an episode of her Dr Jo Show podcast, Howe and her husband James discussed Chapman in inflammatory terms. Furthermore, Howe added that “we put her in the baby killers club,” escalating what has become a major political flashpoint in the state.

Tensions at Liberal Women’s Council Meeting

The controversy stems from an incident at the Liberal Women’s Council annual general meeting on August 3. Howe was invited as a guest speaker and appeared on stage alongside conservative Senator Alex Antic. Notably, Antic is widely expected to become the next state president of the SA Liberal Party as the only nominee to replace outgoing president Leah Blyth.

Tensions erupted when Chapman objected to the event being filmed. She argued the meeting was not a public event, but her bid to stop filming was rejected. Consequently, it marked the first time cameras had been allowed inside the council’s gathering. In response, several members, including Chapman, walked out of the meeting.

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

Government Condemns Remarks

South Australian Education Minister Lucy Hood condemned the podcast remarks on Thursday, calling them “disgusting” and saying the situation had “reached a new level.” The government official did not mince words in her criticism of the inflammatory language used against a pioneering figure in the party.

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

Moreover, the government seized on the divide between the moderate and conservative wings of the Liberals, calling on the opposition to respond. Hood specifically demanded that Ashton Hurn come out and condemn the remarks, putting pressure on the opposition leadership to take a clear stance.

Howe Defends Her Language

Howe rejected the criticism, claiming she has spoken at Labor events over the years, including functions attended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. In addition, she offered an unusual defense of her terminology, attempting to reframe the word within a historical context.

“I didn’t use the term witch as an insult … in western folklore, a witch is someone who loves killing babies and children,” she said.

This explanation, however, has done little to quell the outrage from political leaders and women’s advocacy groups. The defense has been widely criticized as inflammatory and offensive, regardless of the historical framing Howe attempted to provide.

Opposition’s Cautious Response

Deputy Opposition Leader Josh Teague issued a measured response to the controversy, attempting to distance the party leadership from the remarks. Nevertheless, his statement stopped short of a full-throated condemnation that some had called for.

“I don’t support the remarks that have been reported. The leader’s been very clear about not supporting those comments,” Deputy Opposition Leader Josh Teague said.

The opposition has accused Labor of only calling out personal attacks when there’s political advantage to be gained. Furthermore, they pointed to silence when Labor MP Nat Cook was targeted by Howe earlier this year as evidence of partisan selectivity in condemning controversial statements.

Previous Confrontations

Cook was filmed being repeatedly asked for an interview by Howe at a pre-poll booth for the state election. This earlier incident has become part of the opposition’s counterargument against government criticism of the recent controversy.

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

The opposition’s strategy appears to be deflecting criticism by highlighting what they perceive as double standards in how the government responds to controversial behavior. However, this approach has not satisfied critics who argue that the “witch” comment crossed a line regardless of past political dynamics.

Broader Implications for the Liberal Party

The incident has exposed significant fault lines within South Australia’s Liberal Party. The divide between moderate members like Chapman and more conservative elements represented by figures such as Senator Antic appears to be widening. Consequently, the party faces questions about its direction and values heading into future elections.

The controversy over filming the Liberal Women’s Council meeting represents more than just a procedural dispute. It symbolizes deeper tensions about transparency, party culture, and the influence of external advocacy groups on internal party affairs. As a result, party unity may be tested in the coming months as these factions continue to clash.

Howe holds a PhD in migration law and has become a prominent voice in anti-abortion advocacy circles. Her increasing visibility at Liberal Party events has become a flashpoint, with some members welcoming her perspective while others view her involvement as divisive and damaging to the party’s broader appeal.

The incident raises important questions about political discourse standards and the boundaries of acceptable rhetoric in Australian politics. As political polarization increases across many democracies, the language used by activists and politicians alike continues to draw scrutiny and spark heated debate about civility and respect in public life.