There's always been something deeply disturbing about the Abbott

Host: The café was quieter now, the soft murmur of conversation fading into the background. Outside, the sky had darkened, and the world outside felt distant. Jack and Jeeny sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the soft clink of their coffee mugs and the low hum of the world around them creating a peaceful atmosphere. But Jack’s expression seemed far from relaxed — there was a thoughtful intensity in his gaze.

Host: Finally, Jack spoke, his voice a little heavier than usual.

Jack: “I came across a quote today from Richard Flanagan. He said, ‘There’s always been something deeply disturbing about the Abbott government’s attitude to women.’ It made me reflect on how attitudes toward women in power or leadership can shape the way we view society, and the struggle for equality. I don’t know, it’s frustrating to see how these attitudes still persist in politics today. How do we change this, especially when these attitudes seem so deeply ingrained?”

Jeeny’s eyes softened, and she leaned forward slightly, clearly moved by the intensity of his question. Her voice was calm, but filled with a quiet understanding.

Jeeny: “It is frustrating, isn’t it? When you hear something like that, it’s a reminder that even in the modern world, some attitudes toward women are still deeply rooted in bias and inequality. What Richard Flanagan is talking about isn’t just about one government or one leader; it’s about a broader societal issue. These attitudes are often institutionalized, passed down through systems that favor one group over others, whether it’s gender, race, or class. To change this, it requires a shift in how we view and treat women at every level — in the workplace, in politics, in education. It’s not enough to simply point out the problem; we have to create structural changes that empower women and hold people accountable.”

Host: Jack seemed to absorb her words, his expression thoughtful as he nodded slowly. He leaned back in his chair, his fingers gently tapping the edge of his coffee cup.

Jack: “It’s hard, though, isn’t it? These systems and attitudes have been in place for so long, it feels like it’s a battle we’re always fighting. But I guess the only way forward is to keep challenging those ideas, to keep pushing for change, even when it feels like progress is slow.”

Jeeny smiled gently, her eyes filled with quiet conviction.

Jeeny: “Yes, the battle can feel exhausting at times, but it’s important to remember that change is happening, even if it feels incremental. Every time someone speaks out, every time a policy is challenged, every time we call out injustice, we’re moving the needle a little further. It’s about persistence — not giving up on the fight, even when it feels like the progress is small. And it’s about creating spaces where women are empowered to lead, to speak up, and to demand the respect and equality they deserve.”

Host: Jack nodded slowly, a quiet sense of clarity settling over him. The weight of their conversation seemed to deepen, but in a way that felt more empowering, as though understanding the challenge was the first step toward change. The world outside the café continued its rhythm, but inside, there was a quiet understanding that the fight for equality, for fair treatment, wasn’t just about one person or one event — it was about shifting the culture and the systems that allowed inequality to persist. Change was possible, but it required consistent effort, persistence, and the courage to challenge deeply ingrained attitudes, no matter how long they had been in place.