Women Did Get a Mention

Peter FitzSimons, minus the trademark red bandanna, gives his first address as ARM chair at the National Press Club in Canberra. Some commentators felt his speech was light on as no women were mentioned. But three were: Dolly Parton, Senator Katy Gallagher and spouse Lisa Wilkinson, a well-known television presenter, who was able to explain to him why ‘Diana’ was the story of the late 20th century as she took on the staid court and how Kate, George and Charlotte now follow in her wake explaining the appeal of the British – and Australian – royal family. Some women present thought it useful that FitzSimons seeks the counsel of women to explain things he does not understand. WfaAR noted that even that male anthem “Beneath the Southern Cross we stand” was quoted in some parts of the speech that ressembled a half-time rouse-up by a losing coach.