In your book you wrote of the efforts (in the 70s I think) to make politicians aware of the importance of the female vote, however in that regard it doesn’t seem like much has changed – I can’t believe that we are still struggling to get maternity leave and child care issues on the table!

I believe our political arena should reflect the kind of Australia we are working towards, but instead it seems to reflect all the things we don’t want for our society. After all of these years and with so few female politicians, the system is obviously broke. Maybe it isn’t just a problem of political parties and the media not supporting women, but perhaps the whole federal political system doesn’t support women. I am curious to learn how our political system differs to Spain, Norway and Chile etc.

Unfortunately in a system skewed towards men and run by men, I can’t see the motivation for change. Maybe your book should be required reading for women, to encourage us not to give up the fight – we have come so far but there is obviously still a ways to go.

It’s obviously premature, given that she hasn’t even won her seat yet, but I’m wondering what your take is on the enthusiasm for this move. Given the general the NSW Libs are in, is the Goward push more about them being desperate for any leader with a bit of charisma, or is this a recognition that it’s time to leave the boys’ club behind?