Foxy,

"We are supposed to be a multicultural society.
Our parliament should reflect that."

Our Parliaments should reflect the wishes of the people.

" And also more women in parliament would also be more
representative."

ditto.

"Bob Hawke fitted into the old boy's club."

But he was educated in a public school.

Is Mise

You're overlooking Gladys Liu.

Woman, Chinese, Federal MP, and a former(?) affiliate of the Chinese Communist Party.

Who could want for more?

Is Mise,

The fact remains that he was still from the
established norm of our MPs at that time.

cont'd ...

Hawke came from the usual acceptable ethnic mix.

Foxy,

"Hawke came from the usual acceptable ethnic mix"

and was democratically elected by the voters; what more do you want?

Ethnic/women quotas?

Is Mise,

You are missing the point.
I suggested that if there was more diversity in the
choice of candidates running for office in the major political
parties - including a more representative ethnic and
gender mix - then perhaps this might help towards
preventing some of the problems that currently exist and
were exposed on the
4 Corners program on Monday evening.

Voters have few choices currently as to who they can vote
for - perhaps broadening this base would help improve things all
round