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."
Grattan Institute’s Tony Wood on managing the shift in climate policy
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Coalition free-for-all over 2050 target
British High Commissioner Vicki Treadell on AUKUS and climate change
Word from The Hill: The Furious French and Porter‘s fall
Word from The Hill: Christian Porter’s anonymous money pot
Kate Jenkins on the women‘s agenda
Word from the Hill: A Father‘s Day backlash hits Scott Morrison
Word from The Hill: Learning to live with COVID
Pat Turner on COVID – and god botherers – stalking Indigenous communities
Doherty’s Sharon Lewin on pivoting from chasing COVID zero
Word from the Hill: The battle to exit COVID
Word from The Hill: Was the Afghanistan War worth it?
Anthony Albanese says Afghans in Australia should be given permanent residency
Josh Frydenberg on uncertain economic times
Word from the Hill: A reprimand for Christensen and Morrison on climate
Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers on promoting vaccine uptake and a 'modest spending program'
a four-stage plan and a $300 payment to get vaccinated
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