Ditch the Witch 2.0 and the personal toll of sexist abuse in politics
6/10/202616 min
When Julia Gillard delivered her now-famous misogyny speech in 2012, it was against a backdrop of some horrendous sexist attacks.
One of the most prominent was “Ditch the Witch” – a slogan on a placard then-opposition leader Tony Abbott was photographed standing in front of at an anti-carbon tax rally.
Now, the ugly slogan is back. This time, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is the target.
“Ditch the Witch 2.0” has put a spotlight on the treatment of women in politics.
Today, Victorian MP Georgie Purcell on her own experience of sexist abuse, the threat it poses to democracy, and why she’s putting political differences aside to stand up for her rival.
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Guest: Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell
Photo: ABC
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Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsJulia Gillard· Soundbite0:00
I say to the leader of the opposition, I will not be lectured about sexism and misogyny by this man. I will not. [shouting] And the government will not be lectured- Order ... about sexism- Order ... and misogyny by this man. Not now, not ever.
Ruby Jones· Host0:16
When Julia Gillard delivered that now infamous misogyny speech in 2012, it was against a backdrop of sexist attacks. One of the most prominent was Ditch the Witch.
Julia Gillard· Soundbite0:27
I was offended when the leader of the opposition went outside in the front of Parliament and stood next to a sign that said, "Ditch the Witch." Ditch the Witch. I was offended when the leader of the opposition- [shouting] Order ... stood next to a sign that described me as a man's bitch. I was offended by those things.
Ruby Jones· Host0:45
Now, the ugly slogan is back, and this time Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is the target. Ditch the Witch 2.0 putting a spotlight on the treatment of women in politics. [gentle music] I'm Ruby Jones, and you're listening to 7AM. [upbeat music] Today, Victorian MP Georgie Purcell on her own experience with sexist abuse, the threat it poses to democracy, and why she's putting political differences aside to stand up for her rival. It's Thursday, June 11. So Georgie, you were first elected to Parliament back in 2022. Tell me a bit about