Culture of ‘appalling behaviour’ towards women in politics: Julie Bishop

Julie Bishop says it is difficult to name colleagues accused of behaviour that “could be in some instances illegal”.

Julie Bishop says it is difficult to name colleagues accused of behaviour that “could be in some instances illegal”, while declaring there was a culture of undermining in federal politics and “appalling behavior” - particularly towards women.

“It’s a very difficult situation where you are accusing others of behaviour that could be in some instances illegal, to name them and I believe the Liberal Party is seeking to resolve these issues internally,” she said.

“That’s what I would expect any organisation to do and if the women or men who feel this way are confident that their concerns will be taken seriously and will be considered and investigated then there’s no need for them to name them publicly.”

While Ms Bishop said she did not believe there was an “insurgency” against Scott Morrison, she agreed with her colleague Julia Banks that there was a culture of undermining in parliament.

Julie Bishop declared there is a culture of “appalling behaviour” towards women in federal politics. Picture: AAP

“That’s the nature of politics. Yes and I think we are all well aware of that. You wouldn’t see the kind of leadership challenges that we’ve witnessed over the last 10 years almost now if that were now the case,” she said.

“Of course (there is appalling behaviour, particularly towards women). You all attend question time. You see the behaviour in question time. Would that be tolerated in any workplace? “Despite the best efforts of the Speaker and the rules, the standing orders, we still see the name calling and the shouting. Tell me another workplace where you could do that?”

Ms Bishop rejected the need for quotas in the Liberal Party and said she helped women by mentoring, supporting, advising and “being a shoulder for them to lean on when times become challenging”.

She also urged colleagues to contribute to Kelly O’Dwyer’s “Enid Lyons Fighting Fund” to help women in marginal seats campaign.

Earlier this week Ms Bishop confirmed to The Australian she had given a “first tranche” of $25,000 from her Perth branch.

“I responded to Kelly’s request, I know she wrote to all cabinet ministers asking them to raise money or donate personally or find the money within their campaign funds to donate to the Enid Lyons foundation,” Ms Bishop said.

“It would be wonderful if more colleagues were able to contribute to that fund.”

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