Congratulations, Marg O'Donnell, for a well-writen analysis of the role of women in politics in Queensland. I particularly liked the comments regarding the fashion sense of Queensland women; somewhat like the 'white shoe brigade' of Queensland developers we continue to hear about in NSW.

Frankly, as a historian, I wish I had written it!

“steel sheilas”: tough girls with balls, trying to be seen as men.

Quite offensive and well below the dignity required of someone in public office.

Perhaps an apology should be made by the author.

Vanna, These women are in no way gentle, quiet & caring folk. Why Apologise?
Karen Struthers uses the big fist to bring males opposing into line.
“The 2004 incident occurred the day before the federal election and involved then Labour MP for Indooroopilly, Ronan Lee.”

More Recent ."Family First candidate Steve Christian alleged Karen Struthers slapped him in front of several witnesses outside a polling booth in the electorate of Algester about 10am on March 21." "Ms Struthers has since been promoted by Premier Anna Bligh to the position of Minister for Community Services and Housing and Minister for Women." Read it at: http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,27574,25244283-3102,00.htm

Ma Edna
If a politician hits another politician at a polling booth, they should be automatically dismissed out of their position. Obviously the QLD Premier thinks differently.

My opposition to this article was regards the use of rather base language by the author and their stereotyping of male politicians. Obviously the author thinks differently also.

It will be interesting to see how well the Anna Bligh government performs now that it is receiving much less from coal royalties, its credit rating has been recently downgraded, and it is about to operate a budget deficit.

*Little China Girl*

One wonders whether it was simply a case of:

1. Ms Thing was identified and being monitored as the source of information flows of interest.

2. Gibbon was questioned but denied "pillow talk" or otherwise.

3. Secret ways revealed him to be less than forthcoming

4. The agencies in the nation's Security interest nipped the matter in the bud by putting it up in the public domain.

Speculation, Speculation, Tsk, Tsk Tsk
;-)

Nobody is above scrutiny and no mere person comes to power and knowledge of the secrets without being appropriately tried and tested, as it ought be i.m.h.o.

Surely as a nation we can do better than Gibbon and Heffernan?

Technically, the guernsey should go to the Northern Territory and to Claire Martin, who was elected first Australian female head of state - and, unlike Anna Bligh, she won from opposition. Unfortunately, the NT isn't counted because it's not officially a state