Abbott says Gillard's misogyny speech an 'unjustified attack'
Reflecting on Julia Gillard's now-iconic speech, Tony Abbott says he thought it was "pretty over the top" and saw it mostly as an example of political theatre.
Tony Abbott has dismissed Julia Gillard's highly controversial misogyny speech as "pretty over the top" and an "unjustified attack." The incident occurred in 2009, when Gillard confronted Abbott over accusations of sexism and misogyny aimed at the government, stemming from his decision to retain Speaker Peter Slipper, who had been accused of sexual harassment.
Abbott, who had known Gillard for a long time, considered her a formidable politician with mutual respect, but acknowledged that her speech had frayed that respect. Abbott maintained that he had never treated women differently simply because they were women and that most of Gillard's accusations against him were exaggerated or unfair.
Gillard delivered the speech off the cuff, having requested a list of Abbott's sexist quotes from her team. The speech, which took place during the Speaker Peter Slipper controversy, became an iconic feminist moment, despite Abbott's initial disbelief in its impact.
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