Post Punk Kitchen Forum

Australia has had a female prime minister for a bit over two years. Like most leaders, she has her weaknesses, but that shouldn't take away from the fact that she faces an deluge of sexist comments on a daily basis. In the press we have seen recent controversial comments stating that her late father must have died of shame and that she should be "put in a chaff bag and thrown into the sea".

Meanwhile, the leader of the opposition who could very well lead the country, publicly states gems such as the following:

On women in positions of power: "While I think men and women are equal, they are also different and I think it's inevitable and I don't think it's a bad thing at all that we always have, say, more women doing things like physiotherapy and an enormous number of women simply doing housework."

"Abortion is the easy way out. It’s hardly surprising that people should choose the most convenient exit from awkward situations."

"There may not be a great job for [aboriginal people] but whatever there is, they just have to do it... And if it's picking up rubbish around the community, it just has to be done."

and, in defense of all this:

"I know politicians are going to be judged on everything they say but sometimes in the heat of discussion you go a little bit further than you would if it was an absolutely calm, considered, prepared, scripted remark. The statements that need to be taken absolutely as gospel truth are those carefully prepared scripted remarks."

And let's not forget that virginity is also apparently the greatest gift a woman can ever give to someone.

So, with that in mind, here is the Prime Minister responding to comments that she should be ashamed regarding the sexism of an MP.

Fantastic.

I was just watching this with my housemates! I'm not really a fan of Gillard either, but Tony Abbott makes me want to vomit all over his smug face, and I've actually thought about leaving the country if he gets elected.

we are considering moving to new zealand if abbott gets in next election.

It took me some time to understand she's saying "leader of the opposition" instead of "labour of the opposition"... Awesome!

she has a rather broad accent ;)

full strine, mate

I thought she was awesome and i'm glad i got to witness an articulate, well-delivered speech (who'da thought in Australian politics?!). I can't believe that mainstream Aus media haven't been able to acknowledge how good it was.