2GB radio host Alan Jones has received the highest dishonour at the annual Ernie Awards for Sexist Remarks.
Held annually since 1993 at NSW Parliament House and attended by 300-400 women, the Ernies shine a light on the misogynistic behaviour and remarks of public figures – both male and female.
Jones won three of Australia’s top dishonours for his comment that Scott Morrison should give Jacinda Ardern “a few backhanders”.
The 2019 Ernies also recognised Morrison, who earned the silver political award for his remark: “We want to raise women up but not at the expense of men”.
Author John Marsden was dishonoured with the celebrity Ernie for his comment: “Men who feel rage as a result of the failure of their mothers … are highly likely to project that rage onto future intimate partners and often all women.”
Not all Ernies are dishonours, however. There is also the Good Ernie, which goes to a public figure who has spoken out against sexism or has fought for women’s equality.
This year’s Good Ernie award was tie between the head of the Uniting Church of NSW Reverend Simon Hansford for his support in decriminalising abortion, and Victorian assistant police commissioner Luke Cornelius who said “this is about men’s behaviour, not women’s behaviour” after the murder of Courtney Herron.
Ernies founder Dr Meredith Burgmann said: “For the first time in 27 years I picked the winner of the Gold Ernie. I think it was always going to be Alan Jones. It had all the ingredients that the women hate.
“Violence against women is the one thing that unites all women.”
Check out the full list of winners and their “winning” remarks below.
Gold Ernie and Media Silver Ernie
Alan Jones – “Now I hope Scott Morrison gets tough here with a few backhanders…She’s a clown, Jacinda Ardern…I just wonder whether Scott Morrison is going to be fully briefed to shove a sock down her throat”.
Political Silver Ernie
Scott Morrison – “It’s not in our values to push some people down to lift some people up. That is true of gender equality. We don’t want to see women rise only on the basis of others doing worse.”
Celebrity Silver Ernie
Author John Marsden – “Men who feel rage as a result of the failure of their mothers to effectively manage the inevitable eventual separation between mothers and their sons…are highly likely to project that rage onto future intimate partners, and often all women.”
Sport Silver Ernie (The Warney)
Channel 7AFL for removing the photo of Tayla Harris kicking the football rather than moderating the trolls commenting on the thread.
Judicial Silver Ernie
Police Officer Neil Punchard – For giving a woman’s details to her violent former husband, texting “just tell her you know where she lives and leave it at that. Lol. She will flip.”
Industrial Silver Ernie
John Setka, CFMEU Secretary for telling the CFMEU executive that the work of Rosie Batty had led to men having fewer rights.
The Elaine (for remarks least helpful to the Sisterhood)
Bettina Arndt – “Feminism…It’s all about rules and regulations to advantage women at the expense of men. Constant male bashing. False accusations of violence being used to destroy men’s lives. Women denying men access to their children. There are endless rules in our society now which are about demonising men.”
The Good Ernie (For Boys Behaving Better)
Rev Simon Hansford, Head of the Uniting Church in NSW, said while “the sacredness of life” must be respected, “Christians are called to respond to life with compassion and generosity. Abortion is a health and social issue and should not be a criminal issue.”
Victorian Assistant Police Commissioner Luke Cornelius after the murder of another woman in a public place – “The key point is that this is about men’s behaviour, it’s not about women’s behaviour.”
The Trump (for repeat offender)
Alan Jones
