Julia Gillard Is Touring Her Famous Misogyny Speech To Celebrate Its 10th Birthday
“And the government will not be lectured about sexism and misogyny by this man. Not now, not ever.”
Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s famous denouncement of misogyny within the Australian Parliament will turn 10 in October, and to celebrate she’s taking over a decade of reflections on the road.
Gillard will present a lecture titled ‘Not Now, Not Ever’ across two nights in Sydney in Melbourne later this year, which aims to examine the legacy of her speech on misogyny in Australia over the last decade with a bunch of guest speakers.
The lecture series will later launch with a book of the same name, with additional insight from Cate Blanchett, Brittany Higgins, Kathy Lette, Deborah Mailman, and Chanel Contos.
For me, it is a personal and cathartic exercise looking back at THAT speech. But what has meant even more has been gathering the reflections and thoughts from others about then, now, and what next. In October, to mark the 10 year anniversary, I will share it all with you. pic.twitter.com/w5O1nS9KFd
— Julia Gillard (@JuliaGillard) June 14, 2022
Almost ten years ago, the toxicity of Liberal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott’s brutal election campaign — amplified by shock jock Alan Jones’ threats to “burn the witch” — was a daily reality for the Gillard government.
After repeated attacks on her partner’s occupation and even Gillard’s physical appearance, Gillard drew the line after Abbott criticised then Communications Minister Peter Slipper for “misogyny” during question time — quipping the forever famous line “I will not be lectured about sexism and misogyny by this man”.
Gillard has had a storied career since exiting politics, founding the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at King’s College in London while also working for mental health service The Black Dog Institute.
In an SBS special titled Strong Female Lead, which examined the broader effects of Gillard’s government on women’s rights in Australia, Gillard remarked that her brutal mistreatment by the media and politicians alike would hopefully make it easier for future women in politics.
“What I am absolutely confident of is it will be easier for the next woman, and the woman after that, and the woman after that, and I’m proud of that.” Gillard says in the documentary.
Watch the full version of Julia Gillard’s historic speech below.