Thank God we are all now aware that compulsory student unionism is not family friendly. Mr 1.9%, unrepresentative, god-bothering, confused and pathetic Steve Fielding, has swapped his vote in support of VSU legislation for, well, nothing — if you believe his claim that he voted for the legislation on its merits. However, Fielding met with John Howard and Brenden Nelson the night before the vote and by the next day had conveniently forgotten whether the group had discussed abortion or controversial abortion drug RU486:

“Today has been very hectic and I can’t recall in actual fact what was spoken about,” Senator Fielding said. “Look, I have lots of conversations and the details … should remain confidential in some circumstances.”

So let’s get the story straight, Steve. Have you forgotten or don’t you want to say?

Brenden Nelson’s memory is a bit better but is still a little hazy in parts:

Dr Nelson said “abortion was not discussed at any stage” during yesterday’s meeting, but he was less categorical when asked specifically about RU486.

Looks like the very important issue of women’s access to safer drugs has again become nothing more than a bargaining chip to be used in the ideological pursuit of much less important outcomes.