For #4Corners viewers both here in Australia and overseas, this story by my excellent colleague Steve Cannane on the dangers of AI is a really important watch. m.youtube.com/watch?v=jkPV...
That feeling when an idiot troll sends email with a fake name but it’s a gift because the name’s so funny, it’s perfect for an annoying character (a shallow frenemy) in the novel you’re writing. Also, is there a German word for a hateful public figure making a major fashion faux pas? Surely so?
6/ But reheating a deeply misogynistic trope about a woman leader in politics? Are we seriously going there in 2026? Rampant sexism has no place in political discourse about female politicians of any persuasion. Surely if there are arguments against Ms Allan’s performance, they speak for themselves?
5/ Ms Allan’s politics or policies and whatever legitimate criticism or otherwise there might be of her performance as Premier are one thing. Politics is a robust business, politicians know that, to some extent, they are fair game. The same went for Julia Gillard.
3/ Now, this weekend, we have a tabloid running a story which platforms “Ditch the Witch” billboards, but this time in relation to Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan. It features these pictures of Ms Allan, depicted as a witch, along with leadership speculation.
4/ While it deems the billboards “controversial”, it says “Labor MPs and factional figures are openly discussing a potential leadership change ahead of November’s state election amid fears of an electoral wipe out”. It says leadership speculation has “plagued the Premier” for a year.
2/ We’ve looked back in the context of Gillard’s later misogyny speech, horrified at how this seemed remotely acceptable. Last year I saw the play, Julia. At the end, all around, women were weeping. Not about politics, but sexism, which every woman experiences. Women are so tired of this. So angry.
ThREAD on politics, journalism, “witches” and #JacintaAllan: 1/ 15 years ago an Opposition leader stood in front of a “ditch the witch” placard about then-PM, Julia Gillard. A shock jock who openly championed that Opposition leader said Ms Gillard ought to be put in a chaff bag and sent out to sea.
ICYMI last night’s #4Corners on poor behaviour by #police, it’s well worth a watch. I’ve worked with many excellent and under-appreciated police over decades, but it’s vital they’re held to the highest standard and this story by my colleagues Dylan Welch and Elise Potaka is powerful and disturbing.
Very proud our #4Corners story, Scarred, on #endometriosis surgeon #SimonGordon is shortlisted for the The Walkey’s Women’s Leadership in Journalism prize. Thanks so much to the former patients & medical professionals who bravely stood up for women, to expose a terrible history & make change. ❤️💪
