“I think that blokes around this place have learnt to underestimate women at their peril,” Mr Abbott said today.”I just make that general observation.”
While launching a criticism of the Government’s paid parental leave scheme in Parliament on Monday, the Palmer United leader asked why Australians should be taxed “just so that the prime minister’s chief of staff can receive a massive benefit when she gets pregnant?”
Tony Abbott’s Chief-of-Staff, Peta Credlin.
Tony Abbott’s Chief-of-Staff, Peta Credlin.
Tony Abbott’s Chief-of-Staff, Peta Credlin.
Ms Credlin has undergone a publicised and emotionally-draining bid to have children through IVF, which has been of yet unsuccessful.
She would not receive money under the Government’s new paid parental leave program even if she did fall pregnant, as public servants already have a scheme in place.
Mr Abbott added: “[Mr Palmer] does not understand the Coalition’s policy. The Coalition policy is designed to ensure that all Australian women have access to the kind of paid parental leave that Commonwealth public servants – including the women in my office, including the women in Mr Palmer’s office – have long had.
“So, before he goes out and attacks people he really ought to understand the policy and he doesn’t.”
Mr Palmer later told reporters he wrote a letter to Ms Credlin. “I told her it was a matter of great regret if there was any way I offended her personally,” he said.
A spokesman for Opposition leader Bill Shorten said “Mr Shorten has made his views very clear on this matter – what was said was wrong and unacceptable.”
Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick tweeted: “Demeaning personal attacks against women have no place and harm us all #petacredlin“
Related: Clive Palmer refuses to apologise
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