Martin Bail, Federal
I remember in 2012 cheering when Julia Gillard rose in parliament to tell her opposite number ‘I will not be lectured about sexism and misogyny by this man’.
She’s less well remembered for throwing Australian citizen and journalist, Julian Assange, under the bus for, in her words, ‘the placement of… information on the WikiLeaks website – it’s a grossly irresponsible thing to do and an illegal thing to do’, and then for being unable to say how those actions were illegal.
Subsequent prime ministers have adopted a similar stance, confirming that the human rights of citizens are of selective interest only; even when Australians are victims of torture, and suffering mental health problems, including risk of suicide. It certainly puts the true value of Australian citizenship in context.
Curiously, Julia Gillard is the Chair of Beyond Blue, a charity concerned with anxiety, depression and suicide. What credibility will Beyond Blue and Ms Gillard have if the worst-case scenario comes to pass? Time to speak up before it’s too late, Julia.
Yes, Julia is correct. The Julian’s action in exposing and making public of war crimes was grossly irresponsible. I mean it was an illegal war that Deputy Sheriff Honest Johnny, couldn’t get Australia to team up with Bush and Blair quick enough that culminated all manner of atrocities against innocent citizens. Best do the ‘responsible’ thing and kept all secret.