Julia Gillard making a VERY eloquent speech about sexism and misogyny

[kdiddy]

Just seen this retweeted by Caitlin Moran so had a watch. Julia Gillard (Oz PM) is basically pointing out the double standards and inherent sexism in the leader of the opposition. It's a very clever, systematic takedown. Wish we had some politicians who would stand up against casual misogyny in this way.

[grimbletart]

www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-19973687

Gillard's speech has led to Australia's leading dictionary talking about updating its definition of misogyny from hatred of women to entrenched prejudice against women.

[SparkleSoiree]

MrRected thank you for the correction - perhaps someone should tell some of the Australians that we met out there too. :-)

[MrRected]

Erm sorry that would be AborIginal Australians.

[MrRected]

Sparkles - we no longer refer to people as Aborigines. They are either Aborginal Australians or indigenous Australians.

[MrRected]

Agree with Arana. Total shame that she is a totally USELESS prime minister who came to the leadership under less than clear cut circumstances. She pretty much stabbed the previous PM in the back.

Tony Abbott is definitely an even bigger TWAT though. God help Australia if he ever becomes PM.

[sleeplessinsuburbia]

Well said morloth!

[Morloth]

It is MN sleepless and MN is predominantly English.

Still stings I guess, we got sent here as punishment.

As I remember Bill Bailey said, Australians have a very special smile for the English.

[sleeplessinsuburbia]

Great speech, surprised people still feel the need to use this as an opportunity to bag Australia.

[SparkleSoiree]

Having just returned from living in Australia for 6 months I was utterly shocked at the outright sexism, racism (towards Brits as well as Aboriginies) and misogyny that is rife out there. The UK is miles ahead in those areas....also helped us realise that the Uk is bloody good place to live!

Used to watch the parliament verbal scraps on the tv out there and I used to spend my time laughing at the hilarity of it all - nobody seemed to want to deal with real issues, rather they would trade insults all question time. I know the UK parliament can do it but these guys take it to a new level.

Certainly opened up my eyes.

But for what it was worth Julia did give that Mr Abbott a nice dressing down!

[kekouan]

Marking for later

[MsAnnTeak]

Brilliant. Reminds me of the speech I made prior to marching off to the solicitors to file for divorce.

[Morloth]

I wouldn't say she was a rubbish PM, just average.

As someone who is inclined to vote Liberal (but I do swing) hell will freeze over before I vote for Abbott.

[Morloth]

I wouldn't say she was a rubbish PM, just average.

As someone who is inclined to vote Liberal (but I do swing) hell will freeze over before I vote for Abbott.

[FreddieMercurysEnormusPumpkin]

Place marking to watch later as I'm on my phone....

[stinimefdar]

Definately a warrior!!!!
We need a few like her here in the corridors of power( shame) to take the smug look off so many of these men who are attempting to govern and (thereby) destroy our country.

Did anyone read Suzanne Moores piece in G2 on the topic...brilliant as well. Guardian g2 11th October....

[Alurkatsoftplay]

Absolutely brilliant. I want someone to say something sexist to me now so I can channel my inner Julia.

[PlentyOfPubeGardens]

I will not be lectured about sexism and misogyny by this man

I shall steal this and use it liberally

[SecondRow]

Thank you so much for the transcript.

[purplepansy]

Awe inspiring.

[TheDoctrineOfSnatch]

Here's a transcript, in case it comes in handy :
m.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/transcript-of-julia-gillards-speech-20121010-27c36.html

[ComradeJing]

I agree Saffron. Not that I can vote here (yet) but I would vote for a rabid dog over Abbott.

[OneHandFlapping]

I know nothing about Australian politics, but what a brilliant speech.

[saffronwblue]

I think she is a mix of rubbish and brilliant PM. She has had to make a lot of compromises and sell-outs due to being in a minority government and fitting in with the ghastly Labor party machine. Underneath that I think she is fiercely intelligent and principled.
Her parents came out from Wales in search of better health and opportunities, worked terribly hard and were passionate about education. Her dad who just died was always just bursting with pride about what she has achieved. She is interesting also because she is not married but has a live-in partner who is a hairdresser.

Abbott is revolting on every level and I think quite unhinged.

[avenueone]

It's like when you come up with all the best lines and putdowns after something has happened, except she did it AT THE TIME. absolutely.

it was such a well put together speech that said so much in the first 5 mins. I have to say as bad as some of our MPs are I would be astounded if someone as leader of the opposition would say the comment `is that a bad thing' when discussing why there are not as many women as CEO's for example. I found Australia to be a beautiful country when I went in my 20's and did not have as many feminist views/experience then but I was so shocked by the sexism and still all these years last say it is why I could not live there although I am sure it has improved over the years... a little.