Prime Minister accused of ‘turning back’ on women as thousands ‘March 4 Justice’
Thousands of women and their male allies have taken to the streets in the nation’s cities and regional centres to protest gendered violence.
Freelance journalist Kate Banville, who attended the protests in Brisbane, said there were men, women and children of all ages.
“It’s not just about sexual assault, … but things that were spoken about were also policy and legislation regarding women’s reproductive rights, women’s issues as a whole,” she told Olympia Kwitowski.
“There’s an overwhelming rage that women are not being treated as humans in our society at the moment.
“It was very symbolic, obviously, to have that happen in front of state parliament.”
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Deborah Knight told listeners “it feels like a tipping point” for women around the world.
She called on members of the Morrison government to meet with the protest organisers in Canberra, naming Minister for Women Marise Payne in particular.
“Surely at least one senior Liberal, man or woman, could’ve taken the time today to turn up and hear what those attending these marches have to say.
“It reflects the way a lot of women are feeling – deeply frustrated.”
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Former Labor MP Emma Husar, who has been outspoken about the abuse she faced while in parliament, accused the Prime Minister of “turning his back” on women.
She told Deborah if leaders don’t commit to change, they’ll pay the price at the ballot box.
“People are angry, they’re tired, and we’re exhausted of this fight for every single right.
“People have had enough, and they’re not going to let this momentum fade.”
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Live from the Sydney rally at Town Hall, Nine News reporter Sophie Walsh told Deborah masked protesters are “packed in like sardines”.
“I reckon there’s 10,000 people here – it’s huge.”
Live from the Brisbane rally, Nine News reporter Natarjsha Kramer said the rain had not turned thousands away from appearing in King George Square.
“It’s actually quite incredible and moving at the moment.”
The crowd is snaking around the city… very vocal with strong messages. @9NewsQueensland pic.twitter.com/HSiHNhQ584
— Natarjsha Kramer (@NatarjshaKramer) March 15, 2021
Image: Twitter/Clinton Maynard