Female pollies: ‘Sack Sam’

Female politicians are rallying behind Tasmanian economic development minister Paula Wriedt following Sam Newman’s comments on The AFL Footy Show. Unsurprisingly, they want Nine to sack him.

Here’s a collection of their comments as published by News Limited newspapers. Significantly, many are NSW politicians, not generally perceived as a strong market for the Victorian-based AFL show.

“We are a free country and I guess people want Sam on television. It’s a rough and tumble show, but Sam went too far.”- Federal Liberal MP Bronwyn Bishop.

“No matter what women achieve, some people apparently still see them as sex objects. The public response to Sam Newman’s latest outburst shows that most people appreciate how stupid and shallow his comments are.” – Federal Minister for the Status of Women Tanya Plibersek.

“Sam operates outside the boundary of good taste. Like most people I find the comments highly inappropriate.” – Victorian Workforce Participation Minister Jacinta Allan.

“Paula’s a fantastic person and she just doesn’t deserve it.” – Vic. Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky.

“He just wants to attract attention, it can’t be anything else, and I don’t think he is going to change. It seems as if he is in pursuit of infamy and, if that’s the case, perhaps he should be taken off air. People find him offensive and inappropriate.” – Calwell MP Maria Vamvakinou.

“(Nine) management should really pull Sam Newman in and tell him what is and what isn’t appropriate in terms of his role on TV.” – Throsby MP Jennie George.

Cunningham MP Sharon Bird said Newman had to learn to think before he spoke.

Ms Wriedt had been telephoned by Newman following the remarks and apologised. Ms Wriedt, who says only Newman knew what he meant by the comments, said she accepted the apology.

Source: Sunday Telegraph, news.com.au