Is this really sexist? MP is slammed for using the word 'barren' while debating a childless female rival - but says he used the term innocently
- Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Phil Donato made the comment on Tuesday
- Nationals MP believes the word 'barren' was used to describe her personal life
- Mr Donato has maintained that the term was taken out of its intended context
A backbencher is under fire for using the word 'barren' while debating a childless female political rival.
Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Phil Donato used the word in the New South Wales lower house on Tuesday while critiquing Nationals MP Steph Cooke's views on pedestrian crossings for children.
Ms Cooke, the member for Cootamundra, had argued against the need for a supervisor for school children at a highway crossing and Mr Donato, the member for Orange, disagreed.
Steph Cooke (pictured), the member for Cootamundra, had previously argued against the implementation of a supervisor for school children at a crossing on a highway
'The amendment by the member for Cootamundra was not noble, not conscionable and barren of any consideration of children — those who are the most precious and vulnerable,' he said.
Ms Cooke believes the Member for Orange was alluding to her the fact that she does not have children when he used the word 'barren'.
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She told the ABC it was time to call out 'sexist behaviour'.
'A fish rots from the head and if we can't get it right in this place then what hope have we got of getting it right in our communities,' she said.
'The member for Orange is a former police prosecutor, they know how to choose their words very carefully.'
Phil Donato (pictured) told Daily Mail Australia that the term was taken out of context
The member for Orange claimed he meant Ms Cooke's point of view was barren of consideration, rather that she was barren for having no children (pictured during the speech)
But Mr Donato told Daily Mail Australia that the term was taken out of context.
The member for Orange claimed he meant Ms Cooke's point of view was barren of consideration, rather than that she was barren for having no children.
'I maintain that that word was genuinely and appropriately used to emphasise her extreme lack or absence of care for those children, whom she allowed to continue crossing a busy highway without supervision for six months,' he said.
'Steph Cooke has taken that word, and in her own words, used it in context of her own personal situation, which I had no previous knowledge of.'
Ms Cooke was supported by her colleagues, including Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor and Deputy Premier and Nationals Leader John Barilaro.
'There is still a fundamental shift required in society in the way we respect women in their decision making when it comes to the family,' he said.
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