Politics with Michelle Grattan
News:Politics
On Monday, women across the nation marched, demanding justice, safety and equality. But the government's response was lacklustre, with Scott Morrisona and the Minister for Women Marise Payne refusing to go outside to the crowd.
Morrison later chose his words badly when he said: "Not far from here, such marches, even now are being met with bullets, but not here in this country".
Independent MP Zali Steggall described Morrison's comments as "incredibly sad" and "just stunning".
A former lawyer and olympian, Steggall is currently championing two private member's bills - a proposal for a national climate change framework, and an amendment to the sex discrimination act which would allow judges, MPs, and statutory appointees to be prosecuted for sexual harassment.
Steggall is disappointed in the government's response to the strong push for women's rights. "I've been quite baffled to understand the Prime Minister's response to this situation and the [rape] allegations."
And she doesn't believe Payne has been much better. "I've been absolutely, really disappointed with the minister for women's response."
She is somewhat more encouraged by the government's changing attitude towards climate change, noting Morrison's language has changed "dramatically" in the last 12 months. But simply saying he wants to get to net zero "as soon as possible" is not good enough, she says.
"That's not the certainty that business and the private sector are looking for. They are looking for it to be legislated, and with a clear pathway."
Ross Gittins on the government’s ‘surplus obsession’
On the trust divide in politics
Deputy PM Michael McCormack on the drought and restive Nationals
Tim Watts on Australia's changing identity
Daughters of Robert Menzies and Arthur Calwell say parliament wasn’t always a “fort”
Arthur Sinodinos with some reflections and advice
Jim Chalmers on the need to change economic course
Independent MP Helen Haines on using 'soft power'
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg on a slowing economy
PM’s advisor Christine Morgan on tackling Australia’s rising suicide rates
On the ‘creeping crisis’ in the public service
Anthony Albanese on Labor's hard times
Paul Oosting responds to GetUp's critics
Centre Alliance’s Stirling Griff on Newstart
Megan Davis on a First Nations Voice in the Constitution
Minister Ken Wyatt on constitutional recognition for Indigenous Australians
Frank Brennan on Israel Folau and religious freedom
ACTU president Michele O'Neil on John Setka and the government’s anti-union legislation
Corrected version: Richard Eccleston on the electoral mood in Tasmania
Tim Colebatch on the battle in Victoria - and the Senate
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free