As I queued to vote at the 2022 federal election, democracy sausage in hand, I wrestled with the problem vexing many women that day. Particularly women who’d previously voted Liberal for most – if not all – their adult lives.How could I vote for a party that had consciously decoupled from our half of the population and shown no respect for us or the things that mattered to us? How could I play any part in returning a prime minister whobadgered a female chief executiveout of a government job, had to check with his wife before expressing sympathy for the ordeal suffered by Brittany Higgins, and who later suggested how good it was that women marching in support of women’s rights were not met by bullets?Barnaby Joyce has always denied the allegations but how could I not protest against the influence of a climate change-denying deputy prime minister who had a history ofsexual harassmentandgropingallegations?Sign up for the Afternoon Update: Election 2025 email newsletterTherecordshows that a good chunk of us abandoned the Liberals and voted instead for smart, capable and credentialled women who better represented us and our aspirations. Twenty seats changed hands at that election, with 14 women taking seats from the Liberals.That election loss was a sliding doors moment for the Liberals – either reconnect with female voters by increasing female representation and addressing our concerns, or dismiss us as“doctors’ wives”and faux Liberals with a further lurch to the right.The elevation of Peter Dutton,hard-right factionleader and former home affairs minister, to the Liberal leadership made it very clear which way the defeated party had decided to go. Since then, the Liberals have made no effort to acknowledge or address their “women problem” (really a“man problem”) or to coax us back.The trend is in, but Australian voters’ views are soft and fragmented – how should we read the polls?Read moreThis deficit was thrown into the spotlight on Wednesday when the leader was challenged on the election trail to explain what theCoalitionwas offering women.Dutton may have fleetingly recalled with horror that time in 2014 when Tony Abbott fumbled a similar question. After having just doubled the number of women in his inner ministry – to two – the then PM and minister for women claimed his biggest achievement for women wasscrapping the “carbon tax”. Because “women are particularly focused on the household budget”.Dutton strolled into a similar trap, nominating his housing policy as good for homeless women and his super policy for women “who have had a messy relationship breakup”. Intended or not, Dutton’s answer gave a glimpse into the way he apparently views Australian women – predominantly as victims who need protection.The same message was conveyed at the Liberal launch past weekend when the blokey lineup (sprinkled with vestiges of the Liberalcrumb maidens) emphasised Dutton’s former life as a policeman and that their leader was “tough” and “a man”.Unfortunately for Dutton, Wednesday’s question prompted the leader to look into the policy cupboard for the folder named “women” but, just as Tony Abbott and Scott Morrison did before him, he found it completely bare.How can this be reversed? By preselecting women insafeLiberal seats so they can survive minor swings at successive elections, gain experience and seniority, and be promoted into policy and decision-making roles.Yet of the 33 safe and fairly safe Coalition seats being contested this election, only six are held by women andonly onewoman has been selected to replace a retiring Liberal in a safe seat.Excuse my cynicism, but after 25 years of the same housing policies, could Australian leaders try something else? | Greg JerichoRead moreEven if Dutton formed a minority government, he would likely have only theexisting 25Coalition women to choose for ministerial positions – the same women who have survived so far by either keeping quiet, acquiescing to the toxic masculinity that is still the hallmark of the Liberal brand, or by out-bloking the blokes with Trumpish flourishes and thought-bubble policies.Where does that leave us, the female Liberal diaspora, this election? In no better place than 2022.When we line up to vote, we’ll remember the Liberals’ antipathy to the benefits of women working from home, Dutton’s flippant suggestion that we could job-share instead, and the constant framing of women as victims – while the actual epidemic of family and domestic violence is inadequately addressed.We will remember the campaign images of Dutton flanked by furiously nodding male MPs who’ve been accused ofintimidation and bullying, and female MPs who have overseen or implemented some of the most egregious and harmful failures of recent Coalition governments.And we won’t forget that Joyce is still lurking, courting mining interests, pushing nuclear energy and harbouring his latest leadership intentions.As for me? I’ll likely conclude that Australian women don’t need a protector or a hero. And if we did, it certainly wouldn’t bePeter Dutton.Paula Matthewson is a former Liberal staffer and retired industry lobbyist. She is the author ofOn Merit, an essay on the Liberal Party’s “women problem”
This election, Peter Dutton leaves us, the female Liberal diaspora, in no better place than 2022 | Paula Matthewson
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Peter Dutton's Leadership Fails to Address Women's Representation in Liberal Party"
The Guardian
6.0
TruthLens AI Summary
In the lead-up to the 2022 federal election, many women, particularly those who had traditionally supported the Liberal Party, found themselves grappling with a profound dilemma. They questioned how to support a political party that seemed increasingly disconnected from their values and needs. The author recalls the discomfort of voting amidst a leadership that had previously undermined women, exemplified by Prime Minister Scott Morrison's treatment of Brittany Higgins and the presence of figures like Barnaby Joyce, whose alleged history of sexual harassment cast a long shadow. The 2022 election saw a significant shift, with many women opting to vote for candidates who genuinely represented their aspirations, leading to a notable loss for the Liberals, who saw 14 seats turn over to women candidates. This moment was pivotal, presenting the party with a choice: to either reconnect with female voters or continue to alienate them with a rightward shift under new leader Peter Dutton, a figure whose hard-right affiliations raised concerns about the future of women's representation within the party.
Since Dutton's ascension, the Liberal Party has failed to address its shortcomings regarding female representation and issues that matter to women. During a recent campaign event, Dutton struggled to articulate what the Coalition could offer women, echoing past missteps made by leaders like Tony Abbott. His responses, which framed women predominantly as victims needing protection, further highlighted the party's disconnect. With only six of 33 safe Coalition seats held by women and a lack of significant policy initiatives aimed at addressing women's needs, the author reflects on the dire state of female representation within the party. This situation leaves women voters feeling as though they are no better off now than they were in 2022, with the specter of a male-dominated leadership that seems indifferent to their concerns. As the election approaches, the author concludes that Australian women do not require a protector or hero like Dutton, emphasizing the need for genuine representation and respect in political discourse.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article addresses the disillusionment felt by female voters towards the Liberal Party in Australia, particularly under the leadership of Peter Dutton. It highlights a growing disconnect between the party's actions and the values and concerns of women, especially those who have traditionally supported the Liberals. The author's personal narrative serves as a lens through which broader electoral trends are examined, especially regarding women's representation in politics.
Target Audience and Public Sentiment
The piece is likely aimed at female voters and those sympathetic to women's rights, aiming to evoke feelings of frustration and disappointment towards the current political landscape. By recounting personal experiences from the 2022 election, the article seeks to resonate with those who feel marginalized by the party's shift to the right and the lack of acknowledgment of women's issues within the party.
Concealed Aspects
While addressing the Liberal Party's failures, the article seems to overlook potential positive actions taken by other political entities or the nuances within the broader electoral landscape. It focuses heavily on criticism, potentially obscuring a balanced view of the political dynamics at play.
Manipulation and Credibility
The piece employs a narrative style that could be seen as manipulative, particularly in its emotive language and targeted criticisms of specific figures, such as Peter Dutton. However, the arguments are grounded in real electoral data, making the core of the article credible. The credibility diminishes slightly due to the author's clear bias against the current Liberal leadership.
Social Impact and Political Consequences
The article suggests that if the Liberal Party continues to ignore female voters, it may face further electoral losses. This could lead to a shift in Australian politics, potentially empowering more progressive candidates and parties. The emphasis on women's representation could foster a broader movement for gender equity in political representation.
Community Support and Target Demographics
The article likely appeals to progressive and feminist communities, as well as young voters who prioritize representation and gender equity. It aims to galvanize support among those who feel underrepresented and frustrated with the current political status quo.
Market and Economic Implications
While the article focuses on political issues, it indirectly touches on economic concerns related to political stability and representation. If voter dissatisfaction leads to significant electoral shifts, it could impact market confidence, particularly in sectors sensitive to government policy changes.
Global Relevance
In the context of global discussions on women's rights and political representation, the article contributes to the ongoing discourse about gender equity in governance. It reflects broader trends seen in various democracies where women's voices are increasingly demanding attention.
AI Influence
There is no explicit indication that AI played a role in crafting this article. However, if AI were to be involved, it might have influenced the tone and structure, emphasizing emotional appeals to engage readers effectively. The language used could reflect algorithmic tendencies to favor sensationalism over nuanced discussion. The article presents a compelling critique of the Liberal Party's current trajectory, with a strong focus on the implications for female voters. It is credible in its use of electoral data but shows bias in its portrayal of the political landscape. The emotional weight of the narrative may influence public perception, leading to potential shifts in voter behavior.