Yesterday evening, a much anticipated interview between Channel 9’s Ray Martin and former Prime Minister Julia Gillard aired. Across the nation people tuned in to see what would be asked of this formidable woman whose time in power was marred by controversy and instability.
And what did we get?
Well…. Julia Gillard was asked about her hair, her boyfriend, her previous boyfriends, the photo on the cover of her new book, why she wasn’t married and her fashion sense. There was far too little focus on Gillard’s policy achievements, the controversial and often unpopular political decisions she made.
It wasn’t until after the interview was over, that we reflected more closely on the questions asked. While some, no doubt, added colour and context to what Gillard had to say, many – were just downright sexist.
So we decided to put those same questions – in Ray Martin’s words – to some former male Prime Ministers to find out what they might show about successes and failures of their respective governments and how history would remember them.
The result? We revealed exactly how preposterous the questions were. Take a look….
What questions do you think Ray Martin should have asked Julia Gillard?
Top Comments
Jan, Julia Gillard was only considered a failure by the Liberal associated press which unfortunately in Australia means most of our media which I guess is where your opinion comes from. Gillard managed to negotiate effectively and gracefully on a state, national and international level. She was so successful that the only thing the opposition could come up with to target was how she looked and other disgusting comments about how she didn't understand Australian families because she hadn't given birth herself (utter nonsense of course). This interview by Ray Martin is insulting to Julia and to the Australian public who he assumes care about that kind of crud instead of about hearing her speak on any one of a number of important causes/policies she is passionate about.
Probably not easy to ask her about her achievements given she was considered to be a failure by botg sides of politics.
In your dreams.