Shock Resignation Rocks Australia's Embattled Government

Sydney, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Jan, 2019 ) :Australia's minister for women is set to retire from politics, a major blow for the embattled minority government amid accusations it has a problem with female representation ahead of crucial national elections.

Cabinet minister Kelly O'Dwyer -- the latest in a string of female politicians to quit the ruling Liberal-National coalition -- said Saturday she would not recontest her lower house seat at the upcoming poll, due by mid-May.

Just a few months ago, O'Dwyer was reported by Australian media as warning in a closed meeting that the Liberals were widely viewed by voters as "homophobic, anti-women, climate-change deniers".

O'Dwyer -- one of six women in the coalition's 23-person frontbench -- said her decision was made for personal reasons and that she wanted to spend more time with her children.

"There will be some who try and use my announcement today to advance their own agendas and I absolutely do not want that," she told reporters.

The surprise departure of the senior MP is a massive setback for Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his coalition, already reeling from poor opinion polls, criticisms about its lack of gender diversity and numerous scandals.

Most recently, married Nationals MP Andrew Broad said he would not recontest his seat after becoming embroiled in a scandal involving a "sugar baby" online dating service -- where an older man pays to maintain a high-end lifestyle for a younger, beautiful companion.

Former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce, who was the Nationals leader, stepped down from his leadership roles in February after the married father-of-four had an affair with one of his young advisers.

Veterans' Affairs Minister Darren Chester, a Nationals MP, denied O'Dwyer was fleeing a sinking ship, but admitted his party also needed to choose and keep more women candidates.

"I actually accept the point that we need to attract more women into our party... We need to domore in that regard," he told national broadcaster ABC Sunday, adding that a woman had been chosen torun in Broad's seat.