Note: my apologies for having posted a work-in-progress threadstarter late yesterday evening.

PM Julia Gillard’s response to Abbott in 2010:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-03-23/scott-morrison-changed-the-script-women-sexism-political/100023188

Today our illustrious PM tried to change the script – again.

He tried to portray his government as being pro-women, all the while ignoring his deliberate ignorance of the abuse – sexual and otherwise – of every aspect of the national workforce. Not to mention in his specific domain: our federal Parliament House.

His (though he’d probably say it was his office’s) treatment of Brittany Higgins and Rachelle Miller is unforgiveable. I have nothing but admiration for these two former staffers, and former Liberal MP Julia Banks, for (as Mr Albanese put it) lifting the lid on the culture of bullying, harassment, and sexual abuse in Federal Parliament.

Bipartisan recognition of harm done is important but must be followed by real action and cultural change. The younger generations – women in their 20s, 30s, 40s – are determined to continue speaking truth to power, as Brittany Higgins and Grace Tame, who gave our graceless prime minister possibly the worst slap-down of his life just a fortnight ago …

… will do later today at the National Press Club. Needless to say, I shall be glued to the media!

Finally, another fantastic ode from Patricia WA:

“Amazing Grace!”

Isn’t that our PM’s favourite hymn?
Did he pray for a souvenir snap with him?
But this photo-op shows ‘preyed-on’ victim.

All year he’s ignored ‘The Cause’ of her fame,
To give voice to women, shout out names
Of bullies for whom it’s often a game
For their gangs to play again and again.

Sometimes a good cop shows up and they’re caught,
‘News’ writes a story and juicy report
Of fighting, screaming, how wildly she fought!
Yet often the case is thrown out of court.

Other abuse, more discretely played out
Was in some High Office when staff weren’t about.
In Confession poor innocents found out
No help would be had from those thought devout.

Now headlines are hers because she refused
To nicely behave as he wants her to;
To pretend yet again she likes being used.

That’s why Australians all say, “Grace, we love you!
You beat him!” Framed picture-perfect for us too!