Australia's PM Slams 'Misogynist' Opposition Leader (Gillard Vs Abbott)

[@lapalad]

To all non Australians watching this clip, the radio broadcaster mentioned Alan Jones who said Julia Gillard father must have died of shame, was actually arrested in London in 1988 on two accounts of performing indecent acts in a public toilet!!!!! Now i wonder what his father thought of him after his arrest??? I hope he didn't die of shame!!!!!

[@clairelally3644]

Is there something wrong with being gay now?

[@Querian]

@@clairelally3644 is it wrong to have sex in a toilet?

[@mirrorreflex]

Tony Abbott actually appointed himself as Minister for Women.

[@ahmad3652]

oh really?....

[@mirrorreflex]

***** Yes, you can do a web search if you don't believe me.

[@ahmad3652]

***** i believe you.I do not believe him what does he know about women aside from how to be sexist ?

[@mirrorreflex]

***** He knows nothing about women, but you would think that if he didn't want people to think he was sexist he would get a female minister for women.

[@ahmad3652]

***** to be honest with you I think that if he appointed a mule as a minister for women it would be less insulting to them than appointing himself ,for the mule sounds better and is more articulate

[@Goldstreak00]

She's not defending the "guy sending pervy text messages" she's saying it's not up to parliament to act like a mob to throw him out, it's up to the court and judges LOL. Especially since Tony was pushing this just to make labor look bad.

[@MintyCanRead]

While I'm not a fan of Julia Gillard, this speech was spot on. The sexism in Australian politics, which still seems to think it's some kind of boys' club, is so not what this country is about.

[@kascade9145]

Its 2020 the country is run by women and we are ruined .

[@Rocket-hb6jh]

Also, Gillard did not defend Slipper. Merely said due process should be afforded. BTW, Abbott is a nutter who accused a tireless campaigner for mesothelioma victims of which he was one of being “not pure of heart”. Bernie Blanton died of the disease.

[@tommo9176]

Slipper wasn't from her party. She was calling him out too. I understand you guys 'trying' to cover both sides of this story, but the background given was just completely wrong.

[@clairelally3644]

He was her captain's pick for Speaker. It was almost unprecedented when she appointed someone who was not from the government as the Speaker.

[@clairelally3644]

@Bridget Gilbert What? They objected to making him speaker!

[@clairelally3644]

@Bridget Gilbert Yes.

[@Daniel-wb6xs]

Peter Slipper was part of Tony Abbotts party not Gillards.

[@rowanparmiter7622]

Hamanos M Hard to believe isn't it, considering he supported her (voting) completely...

[@redsword1659]

+Hamanos M how dare you be accurate]

[@clairelally3644]

They were going to get rid of him, so he made a deal with Gillard to get the Speakership position. It was almost unprecedented from a member of the Opposition to be appointed to that position.

[@katherinemorelle7115]

A few things- it's GILL-ard, not gill-ARD. Also, Slipper is actually from the same political party as Abbott- though he was appointed speaker by Labor. And if we thought the sexism was bad while Gillard was in office, it's 10 times worse bow that Abbott is PM.

[@Deathmagnets69]

+Katherine Hompes HORSEEE SHIIIITTTTTT

[@KCBill13]

Just for you to know, Peter Slipper was really from Tony Abbotts party, and since Gilliard's government is made up of a coalition, and Abbott's party were considering dumping him, Gillard's government asked him to be a neutral speaker, which denied his vote to Abbott. Complexity is a standard in parliamentary politics. American politics, let big corporations buy off our politicians and write their own laws to make anything they do legal. The best government money can buy!

[@Apollo_the_Zebra]

TYT more australian stories please. They bring an insightfull difference between various government insitutions across the globe

[@gutter3000]

You know what I'm so glad she spoke up, there's always various reasons for politicians speaking up like this and they're never clear cut and perfect, but at least she did it. She passionately took a step in the right direction and woke us to start wondering "hey yeah she's right, it's not cool to call a woman names or label her as 'barren' and 'sad' if she chooses not to have children." We're lulled into thinking that equality is here, that we've won the battle but there's a long way to go.

[@Mmmmmmmmz11]

And this guy is PM now! That should say a lot about how sexism is taken in Australia .. :(

[@XavierXonora]

Pol Chedmail It's abhorrent...

[@Mmmmmmmmz11]

Ryan Jeffrey I'm sorry but if he can make such comments about women- which is half the population in Australia- he certainly isn't superior to ANYONE. I guess we have to agree on disagree.

[@CyeOutsider]

+Pol Chedmail Not anymore.

[@isaacwillis8618]

Well he's gone now

[@paksgarrion3252]

Golden Tony moment: “What the housewives of Australia need to understand as they do the ironing is that if they get it done commercially it’s going to go up in price and their own power bills when they switch the iron on are going to go up.”

[@Th3RussBus]

Being an Australian, I have to say this is the first time I have ever backed Julia Gillard on anything.

[@jaromanda]

That thing about her father - that wasn't sexist or misogynistic - it was tasteless. Gillard redefined the word "misogyny" for her own purpose Julia Gillard - the first female Australian Prime Minister, yet, was never actually voted in to the position by the people - nor was she ever voted out by the people either!

[@RictusHolloweye]

***** It's true (although the election was 2010). There was a hung parliament, Mr Abbott couldn't get enough independents to endorse him, Ms Gillard could. Therefore she (more precisely, the Labor party under her leadership, plus three independents) was voted in.

[@jaromanda]

***** Not by the people, she didn't get enough even of the two party preferred vote. She got confirmed by lying to the greens and a couple of independent MP's. Juliar lying??? Never!?

[@jaromanda]

***** Thank you for your cows opinion, but that's not how voting in this country works.

[@timpollock4075]

Jaromanda X lol. Wow. I just... lol.

[@jaromanda]

Tim Pollock I'm glad I amused you, not sure how, but my work is done

[@makeupmadness2010]

I'm crying that they're saying Julia Gillard was a strong leader! Australia hasn't had a strong leader for a good 15 years. You see the one shining moment of Julia Gillard and think she's the bees knees. She, unfortunately, was not. She cheated her way into her position by stealing it out from underneath her colleague. Australia needs some new politicians, and we need them fast!

[@zensparkle2481]

For the most part I agree with this video, except that Peter Slipper was not in Julia Gillard's (Labor) Party. Please get your facts straight.

[@Arianddu]

Peter Slipper was not a member of Julia Gillard's party (Labor) but was in fact a member of the conservative National Party who are (and were at the time) in a coalition with Tony Abbott's Liberal Party.

[@Chris-vp3fn]

I know this is an old video but i'd just like to stress that Julia Gillard made those claims about Tony Abbott just to defend her party member to try and scrape some support for her party. Tony Abbott is not a misogynistic has not made any comments or made any policies to undermine women, Julia Gillard and her party tried to paint him as this to gain support for their failing party. Tony Abbott grew up with sisters and no brother, has a wife and two daughters. Labor took things Tony Abbott said out of context to make him seem sexist

[@paksgarrion3252]

Chris M8 What like this www.news.com.au/national/a-look-back-at-most-controversial-tony-abbott-moments-after-prime-minister-apologises-for-winking/story-fncynjr2-1226927063505

[@paksgarrion3252]

Chris M8 Quote by Abbott “I think it would be folly to expect that women will ever dominate or even approach equal representation in a large number of areas simply because their aptitudes, abilities and interests are different for physiological reasons”

[@Comments2013]

Today we mourn the passing of a leader Julia Gillard could only dream of being. Margaret Thatcher came to power in 1979, around the same time as Ronald Reagan, ushering in a conservative revolution that won the Cold War and changed the course of history. At home Thatcher took on the power of the Trade Unions and won. She was a woman of gravitas and toughness. Australia’s greatest prime ministers - Menzies, Howard, are but pygmies beside her. Vale Margaret Thatcher. Rest in Peace.

[@potatopatato8211]

gilaaard *dat pronunciation*

[@snitch3ll]

I don't recall Gillard or anyone from the ALP ever denying that Slipper is a misogynist. The crux of Gillard's argument was that Slipper is entitled to a fair trial before a court and that the House should determine whether or not to stand him down based on the outcome of the trial. With regard to the settlement, Ashby's $50,000 compensation came from the government (not Slipper), who he was suing for failing to provide a safe workplace. Ashby is STILL seeking money from Slipper personally.

[@wowso4]

Julia worst PM in history.

[@arkinept]

Sandra Jefferson You're a classic victim of the Murdoch Press

[@wowso4]

@Arkinept I don't think so sunny jim, the prove is in the pudding.

[@rowanparmiter7622]

arkinept And you are a classic victim of the Fairfax media and the ABC

[@paksgarrion3252]

Sandra Jefferson Have you seen Abbott...

[@rowanparmiter7622]

Yes, great isn't he. like a breath of fresh air....

[@howto7755]

2:13 this part is incorrect, Peter Slipper was not from Gillards Party, he was a crossbencher that was appointed speaker.

[@PositiveThinker72]

So Abbott's can be called out on what he supposedly did when at University, but Gillard can't be called out for allegedly dodgy dealings in her time working at a law firm and anyone who thinks otherwise is a "misogynist". Also, it must be noted that Alan Jones made his comments about her being a bad PM in general, not for making that speech. Also, historically leaders of both parties call each other names, just look at the stuff Paul Keating used to say about John Howard!

[@snitch3ll]

Just FYI, Peter Slipper (i.e. the Speaker at the centre of the controversy) was actually a member of Abbott's party (the Liberal Party - Australia's right wing party), not Gillard's. However, he was kicked out by Abbott and is now an independent. The reason Gillard defended Slipper was because Australia has a hung parliament; no party has enough reps to form a majority government and so the independents' votes are very valuable, especially for the government, who naturally wants onto hold power.

[@shannygh]

Slipper wasn't in Julia Gillard's party. If you did any research or even listened to the entire speech you'd hear that Abbott was the leader of Slippers original party. Eventually Peter Slipper left the party. Julia Gillard gave the speech because Abbott was sexist and used gendered language against her the entire time he was opposition leader and yet tried to accuse her of being sexist. Also, she accepts that our Parliament isn't a court and he deserved to have his day in court regardless of the terrible things that he said about women.

[@thisistheendpt2]

@ 3:40 - Gillard cries fould that Abbott hasn't apologised and no-one voiced their objection at Alan Jones' comments at the function. Not even two weeks later, Gillard's own party hosted a function where they commissioned a comedian to perform there. The comedian proceeded to make mysogynistic comments about Abbott's female chief of staff that were so poor, members of Gillard's party got up and left the venue. Gillard has NEVER apologised for this and her party have dismissed any misconduct LOL

[@NickKzig]

Why can't we have politicians like her? because the people wouldn't let that happen? we ARE the people! the media would throw a fit? let them, they talk about US. we Americans need to be less concerned about being non-confrontational and show our inner passion. We need someone that will stand firm on their convictions and have the people in their best interest, not their own pocket book, or their sectarian goals. What does it say about our country when we elect people we KNOW are dishonest?

[@7373walker]

Margaret Thatcher was an exceptionally strong-willed woman who had more determination than most women or men. She still faced sexism and unequal treatment. I don't believe most attacks on Gillard are sexist in nature. I'm not trying to defend her policies. I'm saying that none of that excuses the blatant sexism of Abbott. Women shouldn't have to put up with more to assume leadership roles, but they do. If Abbott weren't scared of being demonised as a sexist, why would he trot out his family?

[@7373walker]

I'm not defending Gillard's personal life, I'm attacking Abbott's claims about women's ability to exercise authority or issue command. There is quite obviously a physiological difference between men and women. The 'segregation' of sports, toilets etc. is a recognition of difference, but not a statement that one sex is better than the other. In regards to awards/groups etc., the concept is to actively re-empower a segment of the population which has been unfairly treated for millenia.

[@daibar]

It's not the same. Romney changes his message and lies about his position based on who he's talking to. Eg, I'm for/against abortion, Obamacare, etc.. What Obama is doing is keeping the SAME stance, but saying it in a way that appeals more to the fox crowd, and less to the crowd Ana is saying he should go for. He's not abandoning the fox crowd, but making his message not as appealing to them. Romney's cut tax plan can't be crafted the same way.

[@jillbillton5322]

He didn't say a vagina was 'repulsive'. He just likened it to a mussel in brine. Nothing misogynistic about that. If a woman called a guy's penis, a sausage, or bait and tackle or whatever else, no one would blink. He also called a particularly awful politician, a 'bitch' in a private text message to a friend. Again, no proof of anything.

[@goatcheeseomlette]

Years of sexist attacks against her? The speech she gave was complete BS, complaining about "cat calls" while members of her own party were in the process of making cat calls, complaining that someone passes comment about her habit of lying by stating "she needs to make an honest woman of herself". what a load of utter crap. She does not have anything to support her statements of misogyny and sexism. Her speech was far from great and it showed how far Julia is willing to stoop to score points

[@TheAwedax]

The motion had nothing to do with the court case, it was based on Slipper's text messages which the Libs argued was overwhelming evidence that Slipper was not a fit and proper person for the speaker role. Also the Independents agreed with Abbott, noting if Slipper had not agreed to resign later in the day, they would have supported the motion. PS Gillard's response was completely irrelevant to the motion and by opposing the motion, she was defending/supporting Slipper!

[@DeadButBreathing]

There's a difference between a group of girls casually discussing sex and men, and politician in office sending out messages about it.

[@Delorian82]

"I don't recall Gillard or anyone from the ALP ever denying that Slipper is a misogynist." Then how on earth can they defend him in the chair of speaker???? That's exactly my point.

[@chavrons1]

You mean Projection on Abbotts Part. Falsely trying to accuse Gillard as being a Liar frequently which is a man's way to getting rid of a women who has beaten him in the elections. Power Hungry so to get rid of her, he accuses her of being a liar, this spreads to bullies. Abbott believes we as women all should stay home ironing shirts instead of working hard to buy ourselves Prams. Slipper, Pyne and Ashby all together knew all about Slipper. To me it was flirting between Ashby and Slipper.

[@jayray7230]

1.) "If you don't have a uterus, your opinion on abortion is meaningless." that's foolish. that's like saying 'if you don't have kids, your opinion on child murder is meaningless.' 2.) "1st world guilt tax ain't going anywhere." no shit the carbon tax is going to happen, that's a good thing and counter to what Gillard wanted. I don't really understand that comment. 3.)"Scuttled refugee boats ain't going anywhere" they'll be less of them, and they won't get asylum.

[@Esthersimpson620]

Is the Australian federal reserve bank a private corporation? Yes, the Australian Federal Reserve Bank is indeed a private corporation.In fact, all Federal Reserve Banks are private corporations. The Federal Reserve Board of Governors in Washington DC. Australia's central bank, the RBA (RESERVE BANK AUSTRALIA) admits that theyare NOTgovernment owned, thus UNACCOUNTABLE to the Australian Public that own the Australian Representative government. "Video: Who Really Owns The Reserve Bank Australia?"

[@IsabelOEM]

No. She doesn't hate men. Never did she say she hates men. she said from the start if she was a man, she never would have received the treatment she claims to have. In other words, she wants things to be fair. At least, that's what I gathered from her speech. She's a woman who is angry at the fact that there is still sexism in politics and it IS true.

[@terrymackamckenzie6865]

I have to correct TYT on a minor detail. Peter slipper has never actually been part of the Labour party -- he's gone from Nationals to Liberal to LNP to Independent. Gillard chose him as Speaker of the House after Harry Jenkins' (ALP) surprise departure. Gillard did in no way deserve the harsh treatment she received -- Abbot can be blamed for much of it. The Problem with the ALP and the strange going ons is all to do with the 'Faceless men' or 'Power Brokers' in the party's right faction.

[@jaiszabo5294]

2:16 Peter Slipper is actually from Tony Abbott's party. There House was in a Hung Parliment and to make it fair Peter Sliper was made speaker. Confusing I know.

[@ThinkingSpeck]

Let's leave "misogyny" aside for now - it's contentious, imprecise and unhelpful. Can we, or can we not, agree that Abbott's words and actions were sexist? First, an action doesn't have to be /solely/ motivated by gender in order to be sexist. Second, can you point me to a similar backlash against any sitting Australian Prime Minister for a speech like that? I remind also you that Gillard's speech was actually quite tame and calm compared to the normal operation of previous parliaments.

[@allanmcguire4537]

No one understands how bad Gillard was unless you lived in Australia.

[@helpaboutprivacy]

He spoke in front of these signs, including one that said "Ju-liar is Bob Brown's Bitch" knowing full well that by standing alongside it, he inadvertently endorses the message. That is basic politics. Also, "His comments were made without thought." Accountability, my friend. Finally, the attacks on Abbott often focus on the fact that he cannot work under a woman - or be beaten by one in a political contest - see Rajan. A wife or a deputy is fine, either is, to quote the protestors, his "bitch"

[@JepJep92]

You can't take people to court for things they have said in Parliament. Most (if not all) the allegations were said in Parliament. Not only that the constitution protects "political communication". Either way she can't take him to court for the allegations. Let's ignore the fact Tony Abbott also had his own slush fund (Pauline Hanson ringing a bell?). One he had almost complete personal control over. If the AWU scandal is so damning, you should be question Abbott to much further extent.

[@germanicelt]

Are they investigating her for slander? Because she didn't have any real evidence for making the accusations of sexism toward him (which also had nothing to do with policy that effects the peoples lives), and I find it interesting that she was even aloud to carry on with it. But oh that's right, the speaker of the house is also a woman, who let Gillard go on like that but a month later threw Abbott out for accusing Gillard of making an untrue statements.

[@Inconvenientruths]

"Apparentley" this shyte has improved Pig Dogs popularity among Aussie women, one can only hope that the survey was done by the ABC! It certainly makes Australian women look pretty bloody sad and very dumb if its true even just getting sidetracked by this rubbish. Its sad, not just because Jooles has no honor but simply her government has yet to pop a run onto the crease. As far as governments go I certainly cannot recall any other government that never produced a positive in its term.

[@JepJep92]

She hardly "completely" discredited herself. Peter Slipper has been the centre of attention before for misconduct but the Liberal Party continued to endorse him. Most of the things she has been accused of the PM by Mr Abbott have so far been unsubstantiated claims with no evidence. Why else would Mr Abbott claim she committed crimes within Parliament but then tone down outside (aka backing away from saying she committed crimes)?

[@450hp202turbo]

Ho Gillard has slept with half of the married men in caucus and has had married boyfriends, including the one she lives with now..she has never had a man that wasn't married! Abbott has a long term wife and 3 daughters. I know which one has standards.

[@crestfalen88]

I, as an Australian, am truly sorry for our terrible and dysfunctional parliament.

[@swerdna1970]

It drives my insane that people say she was defending Slipper. She wasn't. She says she was offended by the texts, BUT the matter was still before the court so it was premature for the parliament to pass judgement.

[@Stingerbillion]

I love how Cenk is defending or giving example of Hillary Clinton IF she was a president that's what people would say about her. Yet, he was also one of those "people" who made fun of Hillary when she cried in NH. He was one of those people who made fun of Hillary when she was in last debate with Obama on pillow comment. So for him to say these things only makes him look like a hypocrite. I wouldn't be surprised if he IS one of those people to make fun of Hillary in 2016.

[@shububu12]

Also cut $6 billion from the military in the middle of a war, but refuses to pull the troops out. Apparently its worth Australian lives but not Australian money.

[@VikingDuck]

The stated concern of both parties is the potential for loss of life. Consider that over 90% of those who seek refugee status are eventually approved. It is far better, in my opinion, to facilitate the integration of refugees so that they may become productive members of the Australian community. The proposal to tow boats back to sea does nothing, as I see it, to achieve the stated goals. Instead, it increases risk to military personnel and the potential for loss of life to civilians.

[@hawkesworth1712]

Anna, Peter Slipper wasn't a member of Gillard's party. He was a member of Abbott's party. Abbott was longtime friend of Slipper and attended his wedding even though he knew that Slipper was secretly gay. Hypocracy goes hand in hand with misogyny. Also, Slipper was a minister of his church and Abbott wanted to he a catholic priest before he went into politics. That tells you everything you wanted to know about the 'right' in Australia. Does it sound familiar?

[@shchpendrop]

Oh, that is the height of desperation. Calling it a "price" doesn't change the fact that it IS a tax!

[@AussieAMSRAmbience]

Lvll138 - not true re 'vast majority of Australians being white Christians......etc etc) It depends what you classify as a 'Christian'. I take it to mean, how an adult chooses to identify his/herself - in adulthood - , not what they were christened as (where they had absolutely no control and where their parents would've just adhered to conventions for the sake of it, not because of any familial religious convictions. Decades ago, most Aussies were likely christened - not all, but lots. But the majority of Australians wouldn't regard them as 'Christian' at all. We are a relatively irreligious nation with a growing Buddhist and/or Atheist contingent.

[@RobLeif]

I'd like to believe that one day Abortion isn't there every time you make a mistake. I don't believe that rape victims or incest shouldn't be allowed to have an abortion. But if you go out, get drunk, sleep with random people, and then not want a child... Well maybe you should of make better decisions. The worst part is I'm not a real fan of Abbot or Gillard. I think both are inept. But Gillard has no idea what she wants to do and Abbot isn't a true leader. Abbot is the lesser of two evils.

[@therrydicule]

Evidences? His language on abortion (an objectively grave matter has been reduced to a question of the mother’s convenience), on university ([...] aptitudes, abilities and interests are different for physiological reasons" - that biological determinism aka not that truth in business) or on ironing (housewives of Australia need to understand as they do the ironing is that if they get it done commercially it's going to go up in price). Gillard being hypocritical is in the description of the job ;)

[@cherubicnerd]

gon' 'head,woman! all of us women need to be as angry about the oppression of women in this world.

[@KerryWrightOZ]

Peter Slipper is not now and never has been a member of Julia Gillard's party as stated in this report. It should also be noted that what is called the Liberal Party (Tony Abbott being their leader) in Australia is the equivalent of the Republicans in USA. Julia Gillard is the Prime Minister and leader of the Australia Labor Party, which is the equivalent of the Democrats in USA.

[@Javjean]

@mahmoudyzadeh she had evidence to back up her claim. It's the most famous Australian speech of the last 4 or 5 years. Tony Abbott scrapes the bottom of the barrel consistently - he launched a campaign to get rid of Peter Slipper because Labor benefited from the balance of power shifting with a conservative becoming the neutral speaker. The salacious text messages were foul, to be sure. Gillard is simply pointing out, rightly so, that it's frankly ironic Abbott would use the banner of Feminism

[@thisistheendpt2]

Why would any male minister have had "make an honest woman of themselves..." said to them in parliament? Gillard clearly had a screw loose when she spat all this venom in this diatribe. She forgot what on Earth she was even saying.

[@Ioganstone]

Sexual harassment belongs in the court, not parliament. It was indeed shrill.

[@Delorian82]

Precisely, this is about keeping an incompetent government in power - not sexism.

[@aussiemusiccharts]

Slipper isn't actually from Gillards Party he is originally from LNP but became an independent and became Speaker.

[@Octamed]

and she happily tells people she's an atheist, which would NEVER happen in america. Not that means much as she's given the Christians whatever the hell they want.

[@GennaSt]

Her full statement is at abc news page. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5nHaKKcp9yEjpI&feature=endscreen It is an impressive take down. Sometimes I wish we had a parliamentary system instead of these media run debates. The forum would already be set up and the response would already be governed by rules. Instead we have a stilted debate handled outside the halls of power if both sides agree to it during elections. How can you not love democracy when you see this?

[@Delorian82]

It's not about the texts.... Slipper was implicated in a sexual harassment case, the rorting of cab vouchers, as well as the texts. The government settled the sexual harassment case before this speech. He is clearly unfit for the speakership and has since had the good sense to resign.

[@NonStampCollector]

You may be right. I get confused between 'mystoginists' and 'people who consistently say things that could be construed as being mysoginistic'.

[@TheKatIsBackAgain]

The problem with people saying Gillard is defending Slipper is completely wrong. Another part of her speech details that Slipper will be dealt with- but not in the way Abbott is calling for. She said that she will let the Judicial system decide what to do with him before making any moves- this isn't exactly unreasonable.

[@smancez]

Slipper was not from Gillards Party, but from the opposition. He became an independent after been dis-owned by his party because of the txt he sent. He was offered the Speakers position in a hung parliament, a plumb position with lots of perks.

[@swerdna1970]

She says she was offended by the texts, BUT the matter was still before the court so it was premature for the parliament to pass judgement.

[@BrionyMae]

Peter Slipper is actually not from her party!!! please get your facts straight first! It's very complicated but about a year ago Peter Slipper who felt he was going to lose his seat took the Speaker job so it could give the Labor government an extra vote because the Labor Speaker stepped down back into being a Labor MP. So Peter Slipper betrayed Tony Abbott and his party to help Labor. Also court hearing into Slipper found Abbotts party set him up so he'd have to resign.

[@ioaka]

Julia Gillard wasn't defending Slipper! it's more nuanced than that. what she was saying is that Abbott was hypocritical in pushing to remove Slipper as speak of the house, after the judiciary had ruled that Slipper should be allowed to continue in his role as investigations were being carried out.

[@coocoo2803]

It's nothing to do with her being a woman and everything to do with her being a liar and a thief. Her and her ex MARRIED bf stole hundreds of thousands off union members.

[@ivabiggun8278]

So disliking a women for their outright dishonesty and incompetence is sexist ? Stop making excuses and grow up.

[@ThinkingSpeck]

That's a wonderfully clear display of sexist and misogynistic language used against Julia Gillard - thank you for thus clarifying the issue. The one actual objection you raise is that she is "unelected", which is false. She was elected leader of her party, and was then elected prime minister of Australia. Minority governments are neither new nor in any way illegitimate.

[@JepJep92]

Sorry no, I tend not not to spend my time watching those shows. As I said,he would be protected under the constitutional right to political communication. She cannot sue him for defamation. Wait.. so when Julia Gillard does something it's "criminal" (despite evidence to the contrary), but when Abbott does the exact same, it it's not? If we forget about Abbott, Julia Gillard's accusations have no merit especially no evidence. So much for the common law principle of 'proving guilt' not innocence.

[@westernalliance796]

Did I ask you something? I'm not Australian nor do I know anything about Australian politics. I was asking a legitimate question. You make Australians look very good

[@AnarchistOverman]

Being an atheist doesn't mean anything other than a lack of belief in a god. She isn't entitled to any other political views because of it.

[@juliact]

Actually she was called shrill and that she lost control and a whole lot of other things, mainly by the mostly middle aged white male press gallery. And she has maintained a dignified silence about all those issues for 2 years. It just boiled over now.

[@legaliseme]

She wasn't even elected prime minister and she is massively unpopular and she is just trying to blame it on sexism ..

[@Delorian82]

That makes no sense. They did defend Slipper, politically and legally. They labelled an alleged victim of sexual harassment a "kabuki actor" before the trial. The hypocrisy in this speech is overwhelming.

[@Comments2013]

The latest news poll are looking disastrous for Labor. 45% to 55% on a two-party preferred basis. If it stays this way for Labor come September, then Labor are in for a 1975 style wipeout. Then, it was 55.7% to 44.3% and that's where they're at now.

[@A_massive_wog]

Btw, the irony here is the Gillard drastically cut welfare for low-income single mothers just after this speech. Against sexism? Mate, Julia, you ARE helping it!

But that wasn't the point made, she accused them of misogyny and not misconduct in public office.

[@Marcara081]

Jerk? Yes. Misogynist? No. If people keep using that word for every jab at women it's going to lose all meaning.

[@solflanner6117]

Desperate PM's war has failed her own gender, by: Henry Ergas From: The Australian December 17, 2012 12:00AM "Since Labor came to power, the female unemployment rate has risen from 4.4 to 5.2 per cent. And surveys show women feel more at risk of losing their job now than at any point in the Howard years."

[@InsanityIsNormality]

Arctic Diphole Anomaly states that places that are usually quite cool or cold become more mild during the winter, and places like the US or Austrlia etc which have relatively mild winters compared become more extreme and cold. This the result of the Arctic weather acting in reverse to usual. Since 2001, this has happened more and more frequently. So hence, while weather might seem to be cooling at times the CLIMATIC TEMPERATURE is in fact, rising.

[@Rocket-hb6jh]

Slipper was NOT in Gillard’s party but was a member of the opposition

[@davidmcgeoch7673]

I don't think it is Mr Abbot's fault but I do think he has contributed to it. He shouldn't have spoken at a rally where posters like "Julia Gillard is Bob Brown's Bitch" were up. He shouldn't be making comments in parliament like Julia Gillard should make an honest woman of herself. He shouldn't be appearing on programs like Alan Jones' radio so regularly. When the fact is he's a creep and he's lowering our debate in Australia.

[@earthtomimz]

Stop Hating on Julia. No matter what you disagree with her on she doesn't deserve the amount of unsophisticated slander and mockery that she is currently receiving. I'd like to see any of the haters handle as much responsibility as she does. Don't give me that crap about her being a liar. Everyone knows that most politicians do whatever it takes to sell their campaign. They certainly can't predict everything that comes their way either. I think she handled herself more than well here.

[@sensemusicofficial]

and where did they get this footage from ? .. the FSA terrorists perhaps? Theres no way a parent of a child slaughtered in this way would defile the dignity of their children by showing this footage to anyone..

[@Delorian82]

Here's a good one for you: "Prostitution in marriage is the transaction of sex in return for love, security and house keeping" - Julia Gillard.

[@InsanityIsNormality]

That should have naturally occurred over 10 to 50 MILLION years. Human activity has massively impacted in the release of CO2 emissions. Because we are releasing more and more, the layer is getting thicker, thus MORE HEAT is retained. Not good. Now, this next bit is something I've only recently researched. The Arctic Diphole Anomaly. This is what explains these exceptionally cold winters many of us in warmer countries are experiencing.

[@Esthersimpson620]

The Government should Tax the "Federal Reserve" The privately "Owned" federal reserve! All Australian income tax goes to the federal reserve to pay for "interest bearing ONLY" The Australian government runs the economy on indirect & direct tax, NOT the income tax which goes directly to the privately owned federal reserve! Better still why not make our government print our own money??? wow what a drastic way out there idea??

[@Javjean]

Ah, those were the days

[@therrydicule]

I am not sure, but I don't think Peter Slipper is a real misogynist like a grade A pervert... These are slightly different. But Tony Abbott is certainly misogynist - now, it's truth that Gillard could take a different approach with Peter Slipper by stating publicly some like "this is the last time we are defending you on something genuine mr Slipper: you are on probation for now on"