The now famous fifteen minute speech by Prime Minister Julia Gillard labeling the opposition leader Tony Abbott a misogynist has been a long time coming.

There are things that can be said against Gillard, a lot of them true. She personally voted against gay marriage. Her party has organised the return of off shore processing for asylum seekers. For example. But neither of them are relevant today, are part of this topic. Today, after months, even years, of attacks on her based purely on the fact that she is a woman, she has stepped back and attacked those around her who have been part of it.

It is an important moment not just for her, but for all women in Australia.