Federation Women’s Coordinator Siobhan Callan and Industrial Officer Diane Hague with the Silver Ernie, shaped like a pig.

Award for sexism goes to John Howard

By Siobhan Callan

Federation Industrial Officer Diane Hague is the proud recipient of a silver "Ernie" award, for nominating sexist quotes by John Howard.

The "Ernies", organised by Meredith Bergmann MLC, were presented at a ceremony at Parliament House on August 19.

Each year, trophies are presented for the most sexism in a range of categories, including politics, the law, the media, sport and industry.

John Howard was nominated for the "Political Ernie" by many women. Examples of these include the line that he did not support paid maternity leave because it "would not increase the fertility rate or improve job security for women". He also described as crazy the ALP's plan to offer casual workers the option of permanent part-time work with holiday pay and sick leave entitlements, saying, "women will be the biggest losers". Howard was deservedly a "winner" because he originally vetoed the $20 million federal campaign against domestic violence because it was too "anti-male".

He won the award after a "boo-off" where "boo monitors" judge who will win each particular trophy.

Many nominations were received for the Catholic schools and their vocal supporters for lobbying to change anti-discrimination legislation so they could offer scholarships to male teachers only.

The Westco clothing store chain was also a main contender on the night, for making their staff wear T-shirts saying "stop pretending you don't want me" and then threatening that workers would lose their jobs when they refused to wear them.

Some of the other "winners" on the night included the beer company Tooheys, who won the "Gold Ernie" for the use of an ad showing a bunch of "Wallaby" supporters holding up a banner at a game saying "Boys, if you win you can have our sisters!".

The "Warney" (for sport) was won by Bulldogs Chief Executive Malcom Noad, for saying, "let's believe nothing happened in Coffs Harbour."

The Good "Ernie", for "boys behaving better", went to AFL player Adam Goodes for commenting that his mother was his inspiration and for taking her to the Brownlow Dinner.

Finally, the winner of the "Elaine" award (for the remark least helpful to the sisterhood) went to Lindsay MP Jackie Kelly for her insightful remark that "no-one in my electorate goes to uni ... [Penrith] is pram city."

The annual "Ernie" awards night is always an enjoyable and momentous occasion. Federation women members are encouraged to join the Federation table in 2005.

Siobhan Callan is Women's Coordinator.

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