The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
The Forum - On Line Opinion's article discussion area



Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Main Articles General

Sign In      Register

The Forum > Article Comments > Julia's misogyny speech 10 years on > Comments

Julia's misogyny speech 10 years on : Comments

By Everald Compton, published 20/10/2022

It is the finest speech I have ever heard in an Australian Parliament.

  1. Pages:
  2. Page 1
  3. 2
  4. 3
  5. All
The "finest speech"? More like the loudest screech.

I have nothing against Julia. And she was treated very badly by some people because she was a woman - I admit to thinking that a helicopter could be landed on her backside - but her reaction to what she decided was misogyny queered the pitch for any future women Prime Ministers. In fact, Julia and those like her still in politics are the reason why capable, good women, won't touch politics with a barge pole; and why it is accepted that there needs to be quotas for women.

I hope she turns out to be a better Commissioner for early childhood learning in South Australia, the state she grew up in, than she was a politician.

Any man who calls himself a "male feminist" needs to take stock. Women don't need patronising if they are as good as they say they are.
Posted by ttbn, Thursday, 20 October 2022 8:24:43 AM
Find out more about this user Recommend this comment for deletion Return to top of page Return to Forum Main Page Copy comment URL to clipboard
Another prominent woman, Katherine Deves, writes that it is a "terrible shame" that the chief legacy of out first female prime minister seems to be her 'misogyny speech'.
Posted by ttbn, Thursday, 20 October 2022 9:32:45 AM
Find out more about this user Recommend this comment for deletion Return to top of page Return to Forum Main Page Copy comment URL to clipboard
Hear, hear and well said Sir! I heard that speech and agree it was one of the best I've ever heard from that place as an off the cuff unscripted speech!
Alan B.
Posted by Alan B., Thursday, 20 October 2022 9:51:02 AM
Find out more about this user Recommend this comment for deletion Return to top of page Return to Forum Main Page Copy comment URL to clipboard
Julia Gillard's
time as Australian Prime Minister lasted
3 years but the former Labor leader delivered one of
the most memorable moments in Australia's political
history with her misogyny speech 10 years ago that
resonated not only within Australia but for women all
over the world.

Julia Gillard was treated appallingly - not only by the
Opposition but by the media. There were all kinds of
derogatory comments made, fixations on her wardrobes,
her personal life, and much worse.

2GB shock-jock Alan Jones infamously made the comment
that "Ms Gillard's father died of shame." just shortly
after her father's death in 2012.

Opposition leader Tony Abbott was photographed at a
rally next to proudly displayed placards calling for -
"Juliar Bob Brown's bitch," and "Ditch the witch!"

There were so many incidents that happened. And yet
despite the fact that she ran a minority government,
her term in office was extremely productive.

570 bills were passed by the Senate with key achievements
including - the National Disability Scheme, the child abuse
royal commission, education funding, paid parental leave,
to mention just a few.

Women in the past in this country were raised to be
submissive and passive. And of course it was far
easier to just accept the status quo than speak up
for yourself.

Therefore when Julia spoke up - it was incredible.
She paved the way for many women by her example. It struck
a chord with so many. Her misogyny speech and her time
as our first female PM changed the way politics and
sexism were talked about in this country and it high
lighted the toxic nature of our parliament.

It drew attention to what women in politics had to
silently endure. Her speech showed - enough is enough!

And today young women often ask in all sorts of situations -
"WWJD?" - "What Would Julia Do?"

She has rightly won our respect. Even her former foe -
Tony Abbott attended the 2018 unveiling of her official
portrait.

A remarkable woman and leader. Who deserves all her honours
and accolades! History will judge her well.
Posted by Foxy, Thursday, 20 October 2022 10:00:13 AM
Find out more about this user Recommend this comment for deletion Return to top of page Return to Forum Main Page Copy comment URL to clipboard
Knock knock,
Who’s there,
Julia,
Julia who?
Julia Humbug.
Posted by diver dan, Thursday, 20 October 2022 10:30:23 AM
Find out more about this user Recommend this comment for deletion Return to top of page Return to Forum Main Page Copy comment URL to clipboard
Trust a woman to make a misogyny speech!

Just kidding :)
Posted by Maverick, Thursday, 20 October 2022 10:31:40 AM
Find out more about this user Recommend this comment for deletion Return to top of page Return to Forum Main Page Copy comment URL to clipboard
  1. Pages:
  2. Page 1
  3. 2
  4. 3
  5. All

About Us :: Search :: Discuss :: Feedback :: Legals :: Privacy