Increased threat to male dominance?

IN DECEMBER the sex discrimination commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, welcomed the record number of women in leadership positions in the new federal government line up. Following Labor’s victory over the Coalition on 24 November, Kevin Rudd broke with Labor tradition by claiming the right to choose his ministers. Commissioner Broderick said the increased number of women in both Cabinet and the outer ministry was to be applauded. There are seven females among the 30 ministers and three among the twelve parliamentary secretaries. Four of the 20 members of Cabinet are women. Ms Broderick said: “Nearly 24 per cent of leadership positions are now held by women, almost half way to reflecting Australian society. With a female Deputy Prime Minister as well as a female Deputy Opposition Leader, I am confident that the future will bring an increasing number of talented women into leadership roles on merit as they deserve.” Veteran writer Anne Summers quickly detected the quality as well as the quantity of female ministers. She argued that the appointment of Penny Wong as climate change and water minister signalled the burial of institutional racism and noted the minister’s positive reception around the region. Summers mentioned the pride that all women felt as Rudd’s deputy Julia Gillard was acting prime minister, and the immediate effectiveness of Nicola Roxon in health. Prior to the election, it seemed as though the campaign was unfolding as the traditional masculine festival. As fifteen of the sixteen seats likely to fall should there be a change of government were being defended by Coalition males , election night also promised to be entertainment for Don’s Party rather than Donna’s. Under these circumstances then, has Prime Minister Rudd rewarded Labor women too richly? Should Labor men feel disappointment based on their contribution to Labor’s return to power after twelve years in opposition? Should voters care about the gender ratios in either the elected parliament or the executive chosen by the prime minister?... READ FULL TEXT, INCLUDING TABLES >&gt