Not sure that this is good analysis, Graham. Although you make some interesting points worthy of consideration. But, I believe, at the end of the day, policies will decide who wins the next election. As for the "mean girls" they are very effective speakers able to cut through with their messages.

And the Morrison government needs something other than the unfortunate death of a "labor" female warrior to hose this one down? And needs good candidates in the contest as opposed to the usual (bought and paid for?) yes men/party hacks?

Policies that will resonate are energy and its current costs, child care, housing affordability, and clever, targeted defense spending. If the Chinese want military bases in missile range of Brisbane and our nuclear submarine base?

Then we need to buy some nuclear tipped missiles with enough range and speed to hit that base with unstoppable reprisal should we need to!

And we need to put nuclear power on the table as a must do ASAP, given current international situations! Nuclear power, if proposed will wedge labor as nothing else could! And the majority of clear-headed Aussies are ready for it!
Alan B.

Will the term "Mean Girls" that's being bandied
about really shape the next election?

I doubt it.

Politicians routinely dismiss allegations
made by women by painting the allegations as just the
"cost of doing politics" and as something that happens
to men just as much.

The recent accusations against Labor is merely a diversion
by the Coalition with the death of Kimberley Kitching.
If the shoe was on the other foot Labor would also pursue
the matter with equal gusto. That's the way the game is
played. Unfortunately.

Bullying claims by female Liberal MPs have been routinely
dismissed by colleagues in the past. Julia Banks, Julie Bishop,
Linda Reynolds, Lucy Gichuhi - are some names that spring to
mind.

Parliament is a male dominated space and of course with the
increased number of women entering politics things need to
change. But I doubt if it will have much of an effect on the
upcoming election.
Currently there are other priorities.

Dan. Joan of Arc was rewarded for her role as the Saviour of France by being burnt at the stake! Why? Because the Leader of then France was threatened by her forthright opinions, her foresight and its chilling prophetic accuracy!
Alan B.

You've got to be kidding Alan. Policies, what is that.

90% of voters wouldn't have a clue what policies belong to which party, if they are even aware of what policies are floating around.

They will know about higher child care subsidies, but most won't be sure who is offering them.

You may spend hours studying politics, but most only think about it as they curse the requirement they go & vote.

Alan B

That’s a dream Alan. Joan was burned at the stake (along with a black cat which was the tradition): And the bunee’s were the Roman Catholics who accused her of Paganism.

That was probably true to some extent, since it was Paganism the French were fond of, especially among the clod hopper class from which she came.

Or was she the Kings bastard-child as some historians believe? And that was the reason of her acceptance by the Nobility?

Anyway, not a bad achievement for a girl who died at nineteen. let’s have a few girls in our Parliament of equal guts.

Dan.

Foxy.

I agree that politics is a "male dominated space".

If Kitching was a male, would the government now be bleating about "mean boys" or would it be assumed to be just the nature of politics?

The attempted suicides of at least two male politicians (Nick Sherry and John Brogden) over the years due to the pressure of the job passed with little comment at the time but it's now the eve of an election and the government is desperate to get some traction against Albanese in any way they can.