Tony Abbott

In explosive scenes in parliament today, the Prime Minister has delivered a scathing serve to Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, slamming his ‘sexist’ attitude, and saying he ‘needs only look in the mirror to see misogyny’. In a fiery speech, Prime Minister Julia Gillard called her opponent a misogynist for the first time ever. Related: Julia […]

Prime Minister Julia Gillard choked back tears in parliament today in a heartfelt tribute to her late father John Gillard. In her first appearance in federal parliament since the passing of her 83-year-old father less than two weeks ago, the Prime Minister thanked members of parliament for their kind wishes and support since his death, […]

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has come out swinging against allegations that she was party to a union slush fund scandal in an attempt to put the claims of what she labelled a “very sexist smear campaign” to rest. Gillard has been mute on the 17-year-old issue since it was uncovered in 2007, but spoke out […]

As a queen, Elizabeth II is not used to looking up to anyone — but she had to crane her neck tonight when she came face-to-face with a 7ft female basketball player The 5ft 4in monarch was visibly delighted when she bumped into Australian Opals forward Elizabeth Cambage, 20, at an official reception at Parliament […]

Queen Elizabeth gave a rousing address at Parliament House this evening, praising Australian’s bravery, generosity and fortitude. The 85-year-old monarch was the picture of poise as she delivered her only public address during her stay in Canberra. In pictures: Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Australia She began by expressing her joy at being back on Australian […]

Queen Elizabeth started the second day of her Australian tour with not one, but two, awkward bows from Julia Gillard. The monarch spent the morning in meetings with the prime minister, and, later, Opposition leader Tony Abbott. Gillard was the first to be received at Government House, greeting the queen with bows and a handshake […]

This weekend’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade will have a political message, rallying against the federal law that prohibits same-sex marriages. With gay marriage high on the national agenda, Mardi Gras isn’t missing the chance to tap into the debate, featuring an estimated 15 floats dedicated to the issue. “We are planning something huge […]

Liberal leader Tony Abbott is a self-confessed attention seeker, who polarises women’s opinions. It’s a trait that has got him into hot water, yet he is surrounded by women who are fiercely loyal and admire him. Helen McCabe reports. Tony Abbott slides into the back of a government car at Townsville airport. “Sorry,” he says, […]