With our population divided approximately 50/50 between male and female one would expect a far greater percentage of females in positions of responsibility than is now the case.
Using the merit based argument for the lack of numbers implies most women do not qualify in the eyes of the male biased political system.
The more consensus and consultative approach utilised by many women is of equal value to the dominant style adopted by many males. Both are needed to provide a balance in representing our society.
I think it is recognised that the numbers of women involved will always be less than the male as their role of mothers and carers will always be a deterrent when it comes to political ambitions.
That said Tony Abbots lack of women in his cabinet is a slap in the face for women in general, especially those bright young women and girls looking to a future in politics,this also applies to those who see themselves as more than an accessory to some blokes ego.
SD

Nobody could ever confuse Rudd's 'Dr No', Penny Wong as competent in the role she took up as a reward, that of Finance Minister.

Penny Wong, aka The Penguin because she looked the part but couldn't fly as a minister let alone the Finance Minister. Sure, The Penguin could talk the legs off an iron pot in an undergraduate student politics sort of way, but taxpayers have the right to expect that the best available person is selected for jobs the taxpayer is paying for.

Then there are the others of ex-PM Julia Whatshername's ilk including the Handbag Hit Squad, who along with Julia had no interesting in representing all of the population and certainly not ordinary women either, only the narrow interests of the educated elite feminists on Emily's List. Men were constantly seen as marks and conveniently blameworthy.

What about Ms Nicola Roxon and later, Ms Tanya Plibersek, who in families and health portfolios refused to acknowledge that men even existed, let along consider any needs they might have.

Part of putting the rubbish out in Canberra was to rid the government benches of such strident, self-interested, self-serving, conceited band wagonners.

Appointments must never be decided by favouritism and patronage. That is to abuse trust from the start.

Shaggy Dog, "one would expect a far greater percentage of females in positions of responsibility than is now the case"

Women can choose. Shouldn't one applaud women for making their own choices? There is much more to a life worth living than spending 24/7 on-call for a job. Have you ever considered that many women might be making the right choices for them?

Honestly now, how many women would exchange their lives for Ms Julia Whatshername's? Women might wonder what regrets Julia might have if on her death bed she gets the few minutes to think about her life.

Gentlemen,

Kindly go back and re-read my last post.
Perhaps some of you may begin to comprehend what
I was trying to say.
Although I somehow doubt it from your posts.
Objectivity does not seem to be your strong suit.

OTB,

I agree, women can choose but they still need to be chosen.

SD

cont'd ...

BTW: You really need to call out unfair attacks,
double standards, and commentary about handbags
if you want to make reasoned, intelligent comments
and be taken seriously.