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."
William Bowe on the state of election play in WA
Andrew Hughes on political advertising - and Clive Palmer
Caroline Fisher on the spin machines of #AusVotes19
Jim Chalmers on Labor’s budget reaction
Peter Martin and Tim Colebatch on budget strategy and numbers
Jenny Macklin on inequality and Labor values
Ian McAllister on voters and issues in the coming election
Tony Abbott and Zali Steggall on Warringah votes
Kerryn Phelps on medical transfer numbers
Michael McCormack on banks and the bush, and the election battle
Politics with Michelle Grattan: Tanya Plibersek on a united Labor
Politics with Michelle Grattan: Anthony Albanese on Labor’s road ahead
Politics with Michelle Grattan: Josh Frydenberg on Liberal troubles
Lowy Institute’s Jonathan Pryke on APEC 2018
Andrew Giles on the growing issue of loneliness
Politics with Michelle Grattan: Anne Summers on #MeToo and women in politics
Satirist Jonathan Biggins on sending up the pollies
Barnaby Joyce on facing the drought and rural women
Peter Jennings on Morrison's Jerusalem move
The battle for Wentworth
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free