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Australia’s Parliament is experiencing its #metoo moment with rape allegations, however “revelations” of a toxic culture are not exactly new.
Sophie Cotsis MP, NSW Shadow Minister, told
Neos Kosmos that “the way politics has been done in Australia for the last 200 years is dominated by the way men do business”.
She points to the very structure of the “chambers which are designed for men” with long sitting hours and only recently did they get a parents room to “accommodate mothers for them to continue their contribution”.
Rampant sexism
Putting aside rape accusations currently dominating the spotlight, Ms Cotsis points to the little, insidious ways in which female politicians experience sexism.
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She also found that many people experienced offensive comments and jokes and disrespectful remarks based on race, age and sexist attitudes.
The investigation revealed many incidents were part of a pattern of behaviour that had been ongoing for more than 12 months.
It found that the majority of people were unlikely to report incidents with many fearing repercussions for their careers.
South Australia s parliament in Adelaide has been the site of numerous harassment allegations The parliamentary workplace presents unique challenges, Ms Strickland said. Its employment structure is disparate, constitutional structures and protections must be guarded and, of course, politics influences decision-making and interactions.
South Australian female MPs hopeful sexual harassment review won t discourage women entering Parliament abc.net.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from abc.net.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.