Women in the Australian election - Building Gender Balanced Business

• On July 24, a Nielsen poll revealed that 58% of women would vote for the Gillard’s Labor government while 42% were in favor of the Liberal-National coalition headed by Abbot.

• The same poll found that the overall vote was also in favor of Gillard but by a less substantial margin of 54% against 46%.

“I certainly get women, but obviously I’ve got some marketing to do.” Tony Abbot

• Though it is possible that women have an issue with the unusually fit politician that is Abbot, frequently portrayed in speedos and tight cycling gear, evidence suggests that women have had a preference for the Labor party over the course of the last three federal elections.

• Abbot is against abortion and pre-marital sex which does not help his cause with women.

• The Labor party is concerned with issues like health, welfare and community services, issues that women identify with.

• Though studies have found that Australians paid no attention to the gender of the candidates, it is possible that women might enjoy seeing a woman in a leadership role.

• All these elements have combined to give Gillard the lead in the polls.

The Washington Post