Sexist abuse in Australia

Julia Gillard: Australian blokes have done their country down - Telegraph

Then there was the recent fund-raiser for another senior opposition figure, Mal Brough, where a menu produced for the restaurant owner said it served “Julia Gillard Kentucky Fried Quail – small breasts, huge thighs and a big red box”. The next day she was asked live on air by radio host Howard Sattler if her partner Tim was gay. Just imagine. That question was asked of the prime minister of Australia. It took me back to Britain in the 1980s, where a largely successful battle was fought to end the use of racist or sexist abuse in public discourse. Australia is 30 years behind......

The irony is that, though she could have done so, Gillard never sought to gain advancement in her career by playing on being a woman. She ended up reaping all the disadvantages and none of the benefits. And it was only late in the day of her career, in that extraordinary speech, that she spoke the truth about misogyny in words that men and women alike in Australia and beyond knew to be true. She may just, as she said in a valedictory speech that was typical of her calm reason, have made it easier for the next woman prime minister of Australia.