1 post tagged “australia”
In 2008, 107 years post-federation, a woman has been appointed as our 2-i-C.
I am so proud to be Australian today, I can hardly tell you. I type this hurriedly in my lunch break with a lump in my throat, pounding the keys in excitement and with hardly a backwards glance at my grammar, structure, punctuation. Today is a very bright day.
The Governor-General is, technically speaking, the Queen's "man" in our land. Until now an exclusively male role, the GG is given the responsibility of signing our legislative bills to make them law and, among other things, has the power to order the dissolution of both Houses of federal Parliament. Yes, the role is seen as symbolic. Yes, it would be an audacious GG to turf the elected government out (even though it has happened!). Yes, some see the position as unnecessary and nothing more than an antiquated nod to our monarchic-in-name-only system of government. However, as someone who loves the law and honours the Constitution, I can have nothing but respect for the position, the power it confers, and the opportunity it affords another human being to make a difference to our magnificent country.
Quentin Bryce is our first lady at the helm. From humble roots in farming Queensland, Ms Bryce was the first female academic to lecture at Uni of Queensland's law faculty. She has served as the federal sex discrimination commission and as Governor of her home State.
In relation to her new appointment, Ms Bryce is recorded as saying that the role is a great honour and responsibility.
I grew up in a little bush town in Queensland of 200 people, and what this day says to Australian women and to Australian girls is that you can do anything, you can be anything," she said. "It makes my heart sing to see women in so many diverse roles across our country in Australia."
It makes my heart sing too and my brain boggle at the possibilities open to me, a modern woman. These are possibilities that my grandmother would not have ever known to contemplate for women.
Riss the... bursting and proud.
PS. As a side comment to the press and Australian politicians: I will thank you to refrain from referring to Ms Bryce's attire and accessories. This is as close to head of state as any Australian will get under our constitution. Show some goddam respect.
Further, Chief Minister of the ACT, calling a woman, or any person for that matter, an "adornment to the office of Governor-General" tends to imply the person is decorative only. This chick may be decorated, but a decoration she ain't. Pull your head in.
PPS. Much of the material for this post, and photo, was obtained from The Sydney Morning Herald online. Story by Mark Davis, Political Correspondent. Photo by Andrew Meares
