South Australia's Attorney-General has taken decisive action against a controversial anti-abortion campaign that framed the sensitive issue as a "fun game" with financial incentives.
Parliamentary Intervention Sparks Probe
Attorney-General Kyam Maher has officially confirmed that a controversial initiative described as a "fun game" by anti-abortion campaigner Joanna Howe has been referred to a government department for investigation. The referral came after Greens MLC brought InDaily's reporting on the matter to light during parliamentary question time.
The situation unfolded in mid-November 2025, when the unusual campaign method drew scrutiny from lawmakers and prompted immediate government response. The so-called game involved participants making payments with the opportunity to win a prize, raising concerns about the appropriateness of treating such a serious social issue as entertainment.
Controversial Campaign Methods
The investigation focuses on the methods employed by anti-abortion activist Joanna Howe, whose approach of framing the abortion debate as a game with financial stakes has sparked widespread concern. The campaign's structure, which reportedly involved monetary contributions from participants with prize incentives, has been questioned for potentially trivialising a deeply personal and complex health matter.
The November 14, 2025 parliamentary session became the catalyst for government action when the Greens MLC raised the issue directly with the Attorney-General. This followed initial reporting by InDaily that brought the controversial campaign to public attention.
Government Response and Next Steps
Attorney-General Kyam Maher's decision to refer the matter for investigation demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring public discourse on sensitive issues maintains appropriate standards. The investigation will examine whether the campaign methods comply with relevant regulations governing public advocacy and fundraising activities.
The referral represents a significant development in the ongoing abortion debate in South Australia, highlighting the boundaries of acceptable campaigning methods. As the investigation proceeds, stakeholders on all sides of the debate will be watching closely to see what precedent this case might set for future advocacy efforts.
This action underscores the government's position that while public debate on important social issues is encouraged, the methods used must respect the gravity of the subject matter and comply with established regulations.
