// Ode to Julia

Put your hands up if you've read enough political opinion pieces in the last 24 hours to last you a lifetime... Now put those hands right back down and read one last one. As controversial and un-interesting politics may seem to you, nobody can deny it impacts our lives. Politics can make or break a country, and as we've seen over the past few years, Australian politics can be more interesting than a soap opera. Deception, betrayal... what's not to love! But by not having an opinion then what's the point in living in a democracy?
I want to front my voice on the Rudd/Gillard/Labor affair which unfolded last night. I've always had admiration towards Julia Gillard, and I think she has done amazing things not only for Australian people, but also for women on the whole. However, the way she has been treated, by both the media circus and her own party appals me. As a self proclaimed and proud feminist it saddens me to see such obvious mistreatment of a woman who is meant to be a role model and figurehead representing Australia. Whether you are a Labor supporter, or vote for the Sex Party - it is hard to contradict Ms. Gillard's fierce determination and strength. I commend her efforts in parliament, and the legislation she passed, especially the NDIS and her determination towards better education, but most of all I want to farewell her as a leader.
She was not perfect, as no leader ever is, and I didn't agree with all her policies. However, I have always admired her courage to take on a room full of some of the most pig headed and sexist men in the country. She stood for what she believed, and was an example to every young and old woman that it is possible to get to the top. Although getting to the top may be the worst decision a woman could ever make... The abuse and criticism she suffered throughout her time as Prime Minister, especially regarding appearance and gender stereotypes (may I remind you of the recent 'knitting drama' just a few days ago - who cares if she likes to knit!! Good for her!!) was absolutely unacceptable.
I'm not saying that her status as a woman had everything to do with her political career; what I'm saying is that that was how she was portrayed, therefore making it into a waaaaay bigger deal than necessary.
When will the time come for Australians to grow up and move on...
History will judge her very differently to how we have seen her during her term, and I think that the decision to remove her as Prime Minister will crush the Labor party to its knees. Rudd is honestly half of what Julia was. Sure he posts funny Twitter remarks, and Supré made shirts about his Kevin 07 campaign, but you can't deny he's an embarrassment to Australia ~unpopular opinion, yes?~ . Check out this article for a few chuckles, and some interesting thoughts from Anne Summers.
No Prime Minister should ever have the mistreatment and humiliation that Gillard suffered from the Australian public - after all, she's just a woman trying to do her job. In the end it's just a shame for the Labor party and a win for Tony Abbott. And anything that's a win for Tony Abbott is a knife through my heart.