Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader
In Question Time today, Premier Hodgman let down Tasmanian women and girls by refusing to condemn Liberal powerbroker, Senator Abetz, for his glowing celebration of President-elect Donald Trump's win in the U.S. election.
Mr Trump's comments about women are sexist and his behaviour condones sexual violence.
When political leaders sing his praises it sends a strong message to the community that sexism will be ignored and tolerated.
Australian of the Year, Lieutenant General David Morrison rightly says, "the standard you walk past is the standard you accept." Today, Tasmanian Premier, Will Hodgman, was given the opportunity to speak up for Tasmania's women and girls. Instead, he 'walked past' Senator Abetz's behaviour.
The Premier's action on family violence should be commended, but he also needs to call out sexism within his own Party when it raises its ugly head.
Community leaders play a significant role in shaping community attitudes. If the Premier wants proof, the scenes of young men from the University of Sydney yelling "grab them by the p***y" at their election night party clearly demonstrates how Donald Trump's 'leadership' has inspired young men for all the wrong reasons.
Sexism and gender inequality is widely acknowledged to be at the heart of violence against women.
It is a powerful statement to stand up publicly against sexism. Tasmanian women and girls deserve this from their Premier.