Notoriously, the very brief tenure as Liberal Party leader of Alexander Downer came to a shuddering halt in January 1995 following an unfortunate and, even in those days long ago, politically incorrect, attempt at humour: “A damaging incident emerged from a formal dinner attended by Downer. While promoting the Liberal slogan ‘The Things That Matter’, in a reference to abusing husbands, Downer quipped that the party's domestic violence policy would accordingly be named ‘The Things That Batter’.” Downer was duly replaced by a resurrected John Howard and the rest, as they say is history. Downer’s sudden exit was a win-win for the Liberals and for the nation.
Battering the Language
Battering the Language
Battering the Language
Notoriously, the very brief tenure as Liberal Party leader of Alexander Downer came to a shuddering halt in January 1995 following an unfortunate and, even in those days long ago, politically incorrect, attempt at humour: “A damaging incident emerged from a formal dinner attended by Downer. While promoting the Liberal slogan ‘The Things That Matter’, in a reference to abusing husbands, Downer quipped that the party's domestic violence policy would accordingly be named ‘The Things That Batter’.” Downer was duly replaced by a resurrected John Howard and the rest, as they say is history. Downer’s sudden exit was a win-win for the Liberals and for the nation.