Abbott's attitudes to women, including describing
abortion as "the easy way out" and stating that
men are better adapted than women to exercise
authority made international headlines in 2012 when
the then Australian PM Julia Gillard used a widely
shared speech in parliament to castigate his views.

Perhaps to some men all this is viewed simply as a person
just being a "man". (Mind you a certain type of man).
And yes, women did historically once do the ironing
and many still do - but the world has since moved on
and today gender roles are more flexible.

The fact that Tony Abbott is prone to "gaffes" is
well documented. From his suggestion that the climate
crisis is "probably doing good" and his linkage of
the policies to combat it to
"primitive people once killing goats to appease the
volcano gods". To his most recent railing against
COVID "health dictatorships"saying the economic cost
of lockdowns meant families should be allowed to
consider letting elderly relatives with COVID die by
"letting nature take its course".

So, it's no wonder that there currently is strong
opposition challenging Liz Truss to explain the
controversial appointment. There's also a growing number
of high-profile campaign groups that have also joined in
calls for Abbott's appointment to be blocked.

Things have begun to get serious in the UK.
"Where a very high profile and if we are frank -
controversial external individual looks set to be appointed
to a government role of immense importance the public are
naturally eager to understand not just why but how", stated
Emily Thornberry, the shadow international trade
secretary.

Mr Abbott's trade expertise has also been questioned.
The details of negotiating Australia's bilateral deals
were left to its then trade minister - Andrew Robb, not
Tony Abbott.

And the message that is repeatedly being heard in the UK
is that - "The sorry list of Tony Abbott's comments on
everything from climate change to gay marriage should
disqualify him from any government role because his
views are in stark contrast with the majority of the
UK public opinion".

cont'd ...

Yes if you cut them they will bleed - this is a
worthwhile adage and lesson for a controversial
individual like Tony Abbott to remember and in
future try to monitor his speeches so that they
would not be misunderstood or misinterpreted.

Where's Peta Credlin when she's needed?
(smile).

cont'd ...

I very much doubt that she's doing the ironing at home.

shadowminister,

I just read your last post above.

It never ceases to amaze me how ignorant you are.

Tony Abbott's position has been now officially confirmed
as of Friday 4th September 2020. It is to be an unpaid
position. Except of course - his Australian pension and
perks as a former PM. The question still remains - will
this position go against Australian interests. And is
there a conflict of interests here?

Foxy,

And how long before he opens his mouth to say something outlandish that will send all of his backers running for cover and regretting that they gave him the job?