The Kettle Press

This is unacceptable on any grounds whatsoever. It cannot be seen as anything other than sexism for the sake of sexism. It is astonishing that, in the 21st century, boys ‘grow up’ to become politicians who even consider this a matter to be dealt with. In actual fact, when they do this, they are effectively declaring, ‘I am afraid of anything other than a patriarchy because I might not be able to maintain a sense of power without it.’ Makes me ask: Just why are some men so afraid of women?

Much of what is genuine discrimination, as well drawn in this article, are considered as societal normatives and not viewed as discrimination by the very people to whom this letter is addressed. Tony Abbott, as Minister for Women, now identifies as a ‘feminist’ without any understanding of what that actually means, believing his PPL scheme is proof enough despite wide debate and doubt about its efficacy or sustainability and with its obvious flaws in equity. Michaelia Cash, the Assistant Minister for Women, does not identify as a feminist because she believes in woman AND men, thereby demonstrating her ignorance of what feminism is. As a wider example of the government generally, the Minister for Finance, Matthius Cormann, considers the subject of more women representatives in parliament as a side issue. These are not even open minded people in government, but people with defined views broadly at odds with a large proportion of the population they presume to speak for. I believe, cannot believe anything else based on the evidence, that both the Minister and Assistant Minister for Women’s commitment is to entrench the status quo either where it is now or where it once was before so much was gained. In the end, it is not up to these two individuals, nor to the current Coalition Government, it is up to us the people of Australia to change the system to ensure the equality of all society advances not regresses.

This is never a good idea and should never be allowed. All votes should/must go to the AEC only, with security, until counted and checked. Never, never in a democratic system, should votes go directly, via post or any other way, directly to any party. This must be dealt with before the WA Senate re-vote; and it must apply to all elections across Australia from herein. This is outrageous, undemocratic and extraordinarily dangerous.