We have a by-election next month, thanks to Labor shafting one of their own unfortunate to be a middle aged white male who has done well by his electorate despite being a Laborite.

The Labor candidate is, of course a woman; and the best she can come up with to introduce herself is:daughter of immigrants whose 'first home was in the area' (where does she live out of the electorate?):the parents instilled in her the importance of a strong work ethic.

Who's standing, the woman or her parents?

“Ouch. Lol.

I think it is pretty clear the OP thought Rikki Lambert was a woman as he compared 'her' to Thatcher and Merkel”.

Where is it suggested that Rikki Lambert is a woman, gonzo? Lambert uses Thatcher and Merkel as examples of women who did not need quotas to get them where they were, but did it on merit.

Rikki Lambert , known personally to me, is a male. That's the second time you've made a jackass of yourself with in a week.

Anyone ever tried a quota of competent people ?

Individual,

Don't think so. Australia's selection of candidates is one of the most undemocratic in the world. America's, with its primaries, is the most democratic.

Any self respecting woman would hate being appointed to a job on the basis of filling a quota instead on competence.

Fortunately for labor self respect or competence is not required. Hence Juliar.

runner, the Catholic Church has a quota system for priests 50% male and 50% rock spiders, its exceeded all expectations. See quotas do work.

ttbn; the Australian Conservatives are also doing very well with their quota system, their aim to have 50% of candidates being Slugs has well and truly been exceeded, it running at 100%. (I read their profiles).