There is something seriously wrong with the fact that half of our population is so obviously under-represented. When Col mentions 'forced' gender representation, I would like to argue the converse - Lack of female representation transcends the simplistic model of merit - a model that fails to take the 'forced' process of marginalization into account.

I will draw on my profession as this is the experience I like to go by - it is what I do. In schools, favouritism is everywhere. Those favoured students are not necessarily achieving a higher standard than those who are not. I have seen so many children miss out on awards when they had equal or greater merit than those receiving them.

I am always disgusted when I see teachers give captaincy to two athletic football heroes in health and physical education lessons. They take turn for turn to pick their 'favourites' and, as time goes by, the favourites get better and the others get the picture. We base that 'favouritism' in pre-conceived ideas, while not making room for anything new. While all along the potential was there for everyone in the class/community/region/state/nation (you get the picture - schools reflecting society).

I do things a different way - I rotate the roles evenly and democratically - as children gain experience in all roles, they find what suits them best. I find this works. And I haven't had any complaints yet.

Unfair discrimination presents itself in so many forms. To deny this is to admit ignorance. Does anyone have any real answers as to why there are so few female politicians?

Now Col, I have once again broken my promise that I would ignore you. But quite frankly I find you irresistible. To walk away would be to admit defeat. Please do me the honour of reading and responding to my post rather than remind me of what a hypocrite I am, along with your usual armful of insults.

Vanstone for PM. Icon of womanhood, awash with merit, capable of making hard decisions without emotion, obviously competent, all with a woman's soft touch. And we could call her Manny if it relaxes and comforts us.

"Does anyone have any real answers as to why there are so few female politicians?"

Firstly its a rough and tough game, you need a thick skin. Not much good having people who break out in tears, when the going gets rough.
Alot of women can't handle that kind of aggressive environment, or prefer not to. Ok, fair enough.

Secondly its hard on family life. To most women family comes first, fair enough.

Opinionated2 has various theories about history, rubbish. Slavery was history too, history has passed. Today any woman who really wants to get involved, can do so as much as any man. The glass ceiling is there for those who don't have the talent and seek something to blame, rather then their own lack of talent. Merit is a subjective thing. Let voters decide on who they think has merit.

Fascinating comments about evolution - and to realise it has already arrived at its current optimum, must say something about this futile argument with proponents of AA and social engineering. Next, we’ll be demanding to be lead (in rotation of course, and in no particular order – just for tubley), by children, the refugees, teachers, nurses, policemen … nuns, and gays.

Col ... no it isn't imprudent ... I answer questions that I am asked... I have voted Liberal, Labour, Democrats, Greens and Independent ... OOps have you ever voted anything but conservative? Your past voting habit says a lot about you Col... Why so shy to share it with us?

I'm no lefty... I understand democracy and the importance of changing my vote depending on issues and who will do the best job.

Tubley seems to have you beaten... you won't answer her, have you hoisted the white flag? Why are you so happy with women being underrepresented in parliament?

You are right Col AA isn't limited to gender but it is hard enough to get 50% of the population (women) fair representation let alone a group with a lesser percentage.

So you believe women are equal to men... UM in everything except representation in parliament... and so now you misrepresent that I'm giving them 2 votes... They should get equal rights in a parliamentary sense.

I reckon that most women would be better for the job than men... so there is no OR.

You don't believe boys should wear lead boots... but you are quite happy for women to wear them where parliamentary representation is concerned. You seem happy that women are so underrepresented. Why can't you add balance to your argument instead of shooting yourself in your lead boot. Ha!

I didn't say Pol Tax Maggie was removed just because of the Poll Tax... but it was a good start!

Thanks Yabby for informing me that history is in the past... I agree with you that voters should get the proper opportunity to vote for women... put more up in better seats to give us the chance. The glass ceiling does exist Yabby... try being a woman and getting to the top.

The fact that you can't see it is because glass is transparent. But it is still there...Oops Don’t bump your head!

Opinionated2 I think Tubley is a "him" not a "her".

Col I always understood affirmative action to be defined as choosing between two people equal on merit “best for the job” but, all other things being equal, choosing one who was from an affirmative action category “deserving a break because of perceived extenuating circumstances or accident of conception”? nb. I am in still in favour of merit based appointments.