REDLANDS MP Rebecca Young isn’t letting anyone get away with cheap shots – especially when it comes to women in politics.
“Sadly, even in our own community, some adults missed the memo,” she said.
“When you’re a woman in politics, people can decide it’s fine to skip past your policies and go straight to asking what outfit you’re wearing, saying you must spend a lot of time in the mirror, or even calling you ‘The Minister for Injectibles’ – yes, really,” she said.
“I wasn’t elected for my wardrobe.
“I was elected to deliver for Redlands – and that’s exactly what I’m doing.”
From securing 50 per cent vehicle ferry subsidies for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands to pushing forward on affordable housing and proper planning, Mrs Young said results speak louder than snark.
“If the biggest criticism you’ve got is how I dress, I’d say I’m doing just fine.”
Her remarks come as the State Government launches a $33 million, nation-leading anti-bullying blitz across Queensland schools, including Rapid Support Squads, extra chaplains and wellbeing staff, and a seven-day crisis hotline for parents.
Mrs Young warned the link between schoolyard bullying and adult behav- iour could not be ignored.
“If we want to break the cycle, we need to address bullying early – but also set the standard as adults,” she said. The way we speak about each other matters.
“Students are watching, and if they see leaders publicly mocked for their appearance, what message does that send?”
The new measures build on the State Government’s $44 million Behaviour Boost, adding more Workplace Health and Safety Officers, teachers, aides and chaplains across Queensland.
“Bullying in any form – whether in the playground, the workplace, or online – is unacceptable,” Mrs Young said.
