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Australia’s first female Governor-General today launched the memoirs of the nation’s first female prime minister.
Julia Gillard was prime minister for 3 years and 3 days from June 23, 2010. Her 504-page book of memoirs, My Story, was published this week.
In her speech, Quentin Bryce, appointed Governor-General by Gillard’s predecessor Kevin Rudd in 2008, emphasised the example Gillard set for girls and women. [Read more…]
Lisa Wilkinson, co-host of Channel 9’s Today show, has delivered the 2013 Andrew Olle media lecture.
Wilkinson spoke at the Australian Technology Park, in Redfern, Sydney. Her speech focussed on the role of women in the media. [Read more…]
At last, some sensible analysis of the misogyny and sexism “debate” that erupted during 2012.
This article by Eva Cox was originally published on The Conversation.
Tony Abbott: a confused, conservative sexist, but not a misogynist
By Eva Cox, University of Technology, Sydney
When Prime Minister Julia Gillard gave her now famous speech attacking Tony Abbott, millions of women around the world cheered.
Her denunciation echoed and fuelled their anger at being unfairly judged because they were women and missing out on what they believed was their dues.
Initially, Australian media and commentators and party strategists were caught short, falling back on masculinised biases that failed to recognise women’s genuine response to a carefully crafted, but heartfelt attack. However, once the strategists recognised their errors, both sides decided to elevate their version of the gender card to enhance their election chances.
Will this sudden interest in women by the political strategists either influence voters or the policy options on offer? If so, who will benefit? [Read more…]
Prime Minister Julia Gillard has attacked Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, labelling him a misogynist, in a parliamentary debate over the future of Speaker Peter Slipper.
Gillard spoke on a motion from Abbott to remove Slipper from the post he stood aside from in April.
The Prime Minister began by saying: “I will not be lectured about sexism and misogyny by this man. I will not. And the Government will not be lectured about sexism and misogyny by this man. Not now, not ever.”
She said of Abbott: “Because if he wants to know what misogyny looks like in modern Australia, he doesn’t need a motion in the House of Representatives, he needs a mirror.” [Read more…]