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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-05-19 Daily Xml
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WOMEN IN POWER

Ms FOX (Bright) (15:15): I rise today to speak about women in power, but I would like to tell the member for Hammond that there is currently a mouse in my home.

Mr Pederick: One mouse?

Ms FOX: Yes, one mouse, and I can tell him right now it is very upsetting. The elevation of the Hon. Gail Gago to government leader in another place is something to be acknowledged and celebrated, and I congratulate her on becoming the most powerful Labor woman in this state. As the media has pointed out, she is now third in line in the cabinet hierarchy. Her elevation provides us with an opportunity to recognise the progressive role of female politicians in South Australia's legislative history. What I also wish to reflect upon is gender in politics and gender as a variable in political leadership.

Australians currently have more women political leaders than ever before—the Prime Minister Julia Gillard, the Queensland Premier Anna Bligh, the Tasmanian Premier Lara Giddings, and the newly elected ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher. In South Australia we have the Hon. Gail Gago in another place, and, of course, we have Isobel Redmond here, who is the Leader of the Opposition.

Mr Marshall: The deputy leader.

Ms FOX: No, the deputy leader is not a woman.

Mr Marshall: In the upper house.

Ms FOX: That may be. It is both tempting and easy to dismiss the role of gender in politics because, so often, we hear people claim that they do not care who does a job as long as it is done well, but inherent in that statement are the underlying assumptions that society has about successful leadership. Deeply entrenched cultural values about women's attributes often collide with long-held views about leadership. One recent American study explored the assumptions embedded in society that men are rational and women emotional and thus irrational. Given the public's assumed preference for rational leaders, this stereotyping is a powerful barrier for female leaders.

How often have I heard in this place female members being described as 'pushy' or 'arrogant' while their male counterparts have been described as 'assertive' and 'focused'. Female MPs have their leadership legitimacy undermined by accusations of being too emotional, while their male counterparts are praised for their passion and commitment. While political ambition is expected from men in power, ambition in women can be perceived as slightly distasteful because ambition in women can violate widely-held concepts of what is feminine. The power of these symbols, this language and the purposes that it serves cannot and must not be ignored.

When Lara Giddings became Premier of Tasmania, some 48 hours of media speculation ensued not about her policies, potential or ideas but about her romantic life. One particularly noticeable headline read, 'Leftist Lara Giddings still looking for Mr Right'. Other female premiers and, indeed, the Prime Minister herself have been the focus of a number of stories about their emotional lives, their appearance and even, famously, the lack of fruit in their fruit bowls.

Discussing this matter in the intellectual hothouse which is this parliament this morning, it became apparent that women from all sides of politics are aware of the scrutiny, the double standards and the constant gender stereotyping. What we choose to do about it is another thing entirely. Trying to change these cultural beliefs, traditional media frameworks and current notions of femininity is an enormous task. Perhaps agreeing to publicly acknowledge it ourselves would be a start.

The Editor of TheAustralian Women's Weekly, Helen McCabe, has certainly taken that step. When the magazine's profile of Queensland Premier Anna Bligh led to criticism of the Premier's impeccable grooming, Ms McCabe said:

Gee, it is tough being a female politician in this country. The Prime Minister [Julia Gillard] cops it because she doesn't always have perfect hair and make-up. And now Anna Bligh cops it because she did take the time to have [her] hair and make-up [done]. I look forward to the day when women are no longer a novelty in politics.

As the Deputy Speaker—and, indeed, the Speaker—I have discovered in this place that we receive responses and attitudes that I think we would not receive were we gentlemen—or, indeed, just men—and that is something I would like to point out in finishing.

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