Thursday was a momentous day in Australian political history. Julia Gillard was elected as the country's first female prime minister. For the women of NSW, it means women have taken out the trifecta and the daily double when it comes to leadership positions: Governor-general, Prime Minister, Governor, Premier and Lord Mayor. The News asked locals, politics aside, for their reactions.
On the street at Rouse Hill Town Centre
Hollie Marshal, Quakers Hill:
``I think with a new female prime
minister, it will probably give women
more opportunities to excel by showing
girls that it is possible to enter politics.''
Jack Jewitt, Rouse Hill:
``I think this will give more women a
passionate drive, not just into politics,
but also onto big boards. If they can
become a prime minister they can
become a boss of a company.''
Sarah McDougall, Quakers Hill:
``It can now give other females the
courage to do something good with their
lives.''
Tamika Launder, Quakers Hill:
``I think it's a new direction for women.
Having a female leading our country will
instil more confidence into young girls. If
guys can do it than so can we.''
Michael Duchesre, Quakers Hill
``Having a female leader will help other
women strive for bigger things in life.''
William Clarke College
Jess: ``I'm happy with it, but it doesn't
seem like a big change. It was always
going to happen sooner or later. It will
start to wear away at stereotypes.''
Olivia: ``I think it's a big step for women
symbolically. I don't think there's
enough female representatives in
parliament and I think it's significant
that a woman's in the highest jon in
Australia. It empowers women.''
Mel: ``I think that it's not as big a
change because I think it was inevi
table. I think it's really good because
it's going to set up for bigger changes in
the future. It's a good change for
women. A woman has the top job in
Australia so it gives women something
to strive for. Now there is no barrier to
that position.''
Kirsten: ``Emmeline Pankhurst and the
suffragette movement made so many
advances for female rights. Today is
going to be remembered. I think today
will change a lot of attitudes. It gives
women power to be there and for men
it's a recognition that women are able
to reach that position.''
Kellyville High School
Lauren: ``I think it's great because
we've always had male prime ministers
and having a woman leading the
country shows we are equal. I think
she'll do a great job of it. In the future
when we have kids ourselves, our
daughters will grow up with this sense
that they're equal. It's all about
equality. This is the first step and from here it's going to keep going and things are going to keep getting better for women.''
Farzan: ``It shows that Australia has
progressed and that it's really looking
for equality now. We've got a female
Premier as well and Governor-General
and Governor, so it really shows how
women have progressed over time.''
Navin: ``This is really good. It's standing
up for equality, which is basically what
our society is about today. There's still
some barriers that women face and this
will really help to break them down.''
Michelle: ``We're part of history right
now. One day our kids are going to learn
about this and we're going to be able to
say that we were there when it
happened. I think it's a good step for
women. It will encourage a lot of women
to take up new roles, such as on
boards. I'm really proud that we get to
witness this and be a part of it.''
Former Hills Mayor, Sonya Phillips
FORMER mayor of The Hills,
Sonya Phillips said that it was a
great day for women in Australia.
``It's taken about 70 years,
[since the first Australian
women were given the right to
run for political office in South
Australia] to get a female prime
minister,'' she said.
``I think it's a great signal for
women to go that extra mile
and put themselves up for
those positions, particularly on
boards. I think we all need to
challenge ourselves and to go
to the next step. Women need
to be true to their own values.''
Sydney Women's Network
Network co-founder Natalie Moutia said the appointment of Ms Gillard to the position was a momentous day for all Australian women.
``A female Prime Minister places confidence in a women at the highest office of Government and is an inspiration to all Australian women,'' Ms Moutia said.
``We hope a female Prime Minister will ensure that women in Australia are given even more opportunity in Australia to succeed in their chosen careers. And that having a female Prime Minister will
open doors for business women in Australia.''
Co-founder Cindy Steele said the day would be remembered by women and future generations of all political persuasions.
``A woman of Julia Gillard's calibre, professionalism and career success, is particularly inspiring to all business women and encourages them to pursue their careers and business goals and aim for the
top,'' she said.
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