It’s officially been 12 years since Julia Gillard made history, when she was sworn in as Australia’s first female prime minister.
The historic event took place at Government House in Canberra on 24 June 2010, and was particularly iconic because she was sworn in by Australia’s first female governor general, Dame Quentin Bryce. It was a landmark day for women’s leadership in Australia, with the two highest positions in the country – prime minister and governor general – filled by women at the same time.
Australia’s new Minister for Women, Senator Katy Gallagher took note of the occasion on Twitter on Friday, paying tribute to the significance of the anniversary.
“The appointment of a new Prime Minister is always significant but the events of 24 June 2010 were a milestone like no other – Australia’s first female Governor-General swore in Australia’s first female Prime Minister,” a statement from the Office for Women said on Friday.
Last week, Julia Gillard announced she will soon be releasing a book offering reflections on her infamous misogyny speech, marking its 10-year anniversary. Titled Not Now, Not Ever, the book will explore the history, culture and current reality of misogyny, while exploring the impact Gillard’s speech has had since it was delivered in the Australian parliament in 2012.
“For me, it is a personal and cathartic exercise looking back at THAT speech,” Gillard said when the book was announced. “But what has meant even more has been gathering the reflections and thoughts from others about then, now, and what next.”
“In October, to mark the 10 year anniversary, I will share it all with you.”