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February 27, 2003
So the Victorian Parliament throws out a women MP---Kirstie Marshall---because she was breast-feeding during 11-day-old Charlotte prior to question time. As an MP Kirstie Marshall is expected to be in the Legislative Assembly during question time. Its part of the job.
Will the Brack's Labor Government have the courage to modernize the institution of Parliament? Or will it allow itself to be crushed by the weight of tradition that recoils from female embodiment? Or will it draw a line in the sand and defend the indefensible in the name of reason----that 11-day-old Charlotte was "a stranger in the house" and that's not allowed when parliament is sitting.
Parliament can hardly be called a family-friendly workplace.
Does the Victorian Parliament have parenting rooms for nursing mothers and fathers looking after children?
I was told a story about the masculine culture of Old Parliament House in Canberra: it never even had toilet facilities for women. The fancy new one built as icon of Australian modernity does not have child-care facilities.
This does indicate that the Howard Government's third term agenda involving work/family matters has some limitations. Apparently John Howard presented to a cabinet strategy meeting possible new directions the Government could take to support mothers in balancing their work and family responsibilities.
Do these initiatives to encourage family-friendly workplace policies include child care facilities at Parliament House?
Me thinks such a reform is a big test for political reason. Or will it close off the prospect of conflict and tension between the ethos and principles of private and public life? Will it avoid dealing with a practical crisis of what are seen as two unpleasant alternatives.
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Gary,
According to Kirstie Marshall herself, the Sergeant-At-Arms told her there actually is a room set aside for mothers to feed.