Rosie Batty speaks about Eddie McGuire’s Caroline Wilson comment

DOMESTIC violence campaigner Rosie Batty has weighed into the Eddie McGuire controversy saying sexism is alive and well in Australia and won’t be defeated unless commentators rethink their attitude.

SEXISM is alive and well in Australian society and won’t be defeated unless commentators rethink their attitude, domestic violence campaigner Rosie Batty has warned.

The former Australian of the Year has weighed into the debate following comments made on air by Eddie McGuire and James Brayshaw jokingly implying they would drown football journalist Caroline Wilson.

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“We have moved past racist jokes, but clearly we haven’t moved past sexist jokes and banter and recognising it is harmful,’’ Ms Batty said.

“Eddie is just as accountable as everybody else.

Rosie Batty says sexism is alive and well in Australian society. Picture: Andrew Tauber

“We are used to thinking it doesn’t hurt people and it’s not harmful but when you really consider what was said ... Does Caroline find it amusing? Possibly not. I think it wasn’t meant to be harmful but that’s the very point of being aware of the language you are using, the role modelling you have in a high-profile position what you stand for.’’

Ms Batty was speaking at the presentation of her Justice for Kids petition — a five step plan to fix family law — on what would have been her son Luke’s 14th birthday.