STATEMENTS BY SENATORS

Senator McKIM (Tasmania—Australian Greens Whip) (13:34): Australia has a serious problem with misogyny, particularly amongst young men and boys. When a quarter of teenage boys think feminism should be resisted with violence if necessary, we have a genuine crisis on our hands. Social media algorithms are driving an increase in misogyny, and what do male leaders like Senator Matthew Canavan and the Leader of the Opposition, Angus Taylor, do?

They blame women. Senator Canavan says that boys are 'sick and tired of the feminisation of Australian schools'. What does that even mean?

Instead of calling that rubbish out, Mr Taylor doubles down and backs him in. That is exactly the kind of ill-informed grievance politics that fuels the toxic manosphere, teaching boys that women, feminism and basic equality are responsible for the challenges that the boys are facing. I'll tell you what: boys deserve better from men in leadership.

Real men show up. Real men take responsibility. Real men don't blame women when life gets tough.

Real men treat women and girls as equals. Real men listen and show kindness. Real men call out misogyny when they see it, and I'm calling out misogyny here today.

Those of us in leadership, particularly men, have a responsibility to model good behaviour for teenagers and young boys. Boys are watching us and learning from us, and Senator Canavan and Mr Taylor should think very carefully about what they are teaching them.