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The Liberal party wants to preselect a woman for Canning. Here's why it won't The Liberal party wants to preselect a woman for Canning. Here's why it won't
(35 minutes later)
On International Women’s Day, UN Women hosted an event at Parliament House. They wrangled a group of male politicians to sit down and listen to their message. Then came a call to action: join their #HeForShe campaign. Standing next to each other, Tony Abbott and Bill Shorten signed up. They committed to “taking action against gender discrimination and violence in order to build a more just and equal world”.On International Women’s Day, UN Women hosted an event at Parliament House. They wrangled a group of male politicians to sit down and listen to their message. Then came a call to action: join their #HeForShe campaign. Standing next to each other, Tony Abbott and Bill Shorten signed up. They committed to “taking action against gender discrimination and violence in order to build a more just and equal world”.
In the aftermath and eventual preselection of a candidate to fill Don Randall’s seat, pressure is mounting for Abbott to realise this commitment. The Liberal party wants to preselect a woman for this safe seat. This is a noble goal, but it won’t be realised.In the aftermath and eventual preselection of a candidate to fill Don Randall’s seat, pressure is mounting for Abbott to realise this commitment. The Liberal party wants to preselect a woman for this safe seat. This is a noble goal, but it won’t be realised.
Related: Don Randall's Canning byelection could prove a test of Abbott's popularityRelated: Don Randall's Canning byelection could prove a test of Abbott's popularity
The Western Australia Liberal party is one of the more masculine arms of the party. With fewer female members than the national average, the Liberal state government is comprised of 10 women out of 50 members, and Perth has a “traditional” and “highly male dominated” culture, according to a recent report. The Western Australia Liberal party is one of the more masculine arms of the party. With fewer female members than the national average, the Liberal state government is comprised of 10 women out of 50 members, and Perth has a “traditional” and “highly male-dominated” culture, according to a recent report.
Or, as one Liberal woman told me recently, “it is a depressing truth that we don’t have the female talent”. The Liberals have unequivocally failed to cultivate a pipeline of female members and women for preselection. This is an electoral weakness. Or as one Liberal woman told me recently: “It is a depressing truth that we don’t have the female talent.” The Liberals have unequivocally failed to cultivate a pipeline of female members and women for preselection. This is an electoral weakness.
In contrast, this weekend the Labor party committed to a 50% quota for female ALP representatives in parliament by 2025.In contrast, this weekend the Labor party committed to a 50% quota for female ALP representatives in parliament by 2025.
Sure, there are Liberal and National women in parliament, but Abbott has failed to build a party with plentiful and longterm female talent. Beyond Julie Bishop and Sussan Ley in cabinet, of the further 23 outer ministry and parliamentary secretary appointments a mere six are held by women. Sure, there are Liberal and National women in parliament, but Abbott has failed to build a party with plentiful and long-term female talent. Beyond Julie Bishop and Sussan Ley in cabinet, of the further 23 outer ministry and parliamentary secretary appointments a mere six are held by women.
This pathetic effort is a stain on our representative democracy. As women seek political leadership and power, the greater the forces of exclusion seem to be, especially in the Liberal party.This pathetic effort is a stain on our representative democracy. As women seek political leadership and power, the greater the forces of exclusion seem to be, especially in the Liberal party.
In recent discussions on diversity within the coalition, I’ve heard difficult views and realities. One female MP recalled her own preselection bid. In the face of scepticism she mounted a survival argument telling them that for women to vote and support Liberals, the party had to elevate them. In recent discussions on diversity within the Coalition, I’ve heard difficult views and realities. One female MP recalled her own preselection bid. In the face of scepticism she mounted a survival argument telling them that for women to vote and support Liberals, the party had to elevate them.
She is right. Political research and evidence is overwhelming in finding that a diverse political team is better at engaging, and securing the votes, of the constituency. The stereotype of the Liberal party politician is a white man aged between 45-60. At a generous best that is 10% of the population, according to the ABS. Hardly representative, but it constitutes the vast majority of Abbott’s team.She is right. Political research and evidence is overwhelming in finding that a diverse political team is better at engaging, and securing the votes, of the constituency. The stereotype of the Liberal party politician is a white man aged between 45-60. At a generous best that is 10% of the population, according to the ABS. Hardly representative, but it constitutes the vast majority of Abbott’s team.
What lies before Abbott and federal director of the Liberal party, Brian Loughnane, is an opportunity to preselect a woman. They won’t, and not because they won’t try. Women in the WA branch of the party are virtually non-existent.What lies before Abbott and federal director of the Liberal party, Brian Loughnane, is an opportunity to preselect a woman. They won’t, and not because they won’t try. Women in the WA branch of the party are virtually non-existent.
Contemporary knowledge on women in politics is clear: women are better at winning marginal seats, engaging with a hostile public and are more qualified all while being held to a higher standard.Contemporary knowledge on women in politics is clear: women are better at winning marginal seats, engaging with a hostile public and are more qualified all while being held to a higher standard.
Related: 'Whatabouttery' is plaguing feminism and Peta Credlin is its latest victim | Bridie JabourRelated: 'Whatabouttery' is plaguing feminism and Peta Credlin is its latest victim | Bridie Jabour
But for Abbott, this is a live issue.But for Abbott, this is a live issue.
Last month the party faithful gathered for federal council. Women’s participation and presence was discussed, and, according to those present, the prime minister admitted that this was a weakness for himself and the party.Last month the party faithful gathered for federal council. Women’s participation and presence was discussed, and, according to those present, the prime minister admitted that this was a weakness for himself and the party.
This was the same event where a passionate Peta Credlin condemned party structures that entrenched inequality and didn’t support women.This was the same event where a passionate Peta Credlin condemned party structures that entrenched inequality and didn’t support women.
And a couple of weeks ago Malcolm Turnbull joined the Male Champions of Change, a venerable collection of leading corporate men who come together to pursue gender equality.And a couple of weeks ago Malcolm Turnbull joined the Male Champions of Change, a venerable collection of leading corporate men who come together to pursue gender equality.
Deteriorating support among female voters is an existence issue for the Liberal party. Diversity in politics is sorely lacking, but it is gender under this government that is most obvious.Deteriorating support among female voters is an existence issue for the Liberal party. Diversity in politics is sorely lacking, but it is gender under this government that is most obvious.
With preselection for Canning up for grabs this is a test of their commitment and realisation. They know they should preselect a woman, even though they won’t.With preselection for Canning up for grabs this is a test of their commitment and realisation. They know they should preselect a woman, even though they won’t.