Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney recently praised Australia for being the first nation to grant women the right to vote, a claim disputed by New Zealand, which actually achieved this milestone earlier.
Canada’s Prime Minister Praises Australia’s Voting History
Carney made the statement while addressing the Australian Federal Parliament in Canberra during a visit to the country. He stated, “Let us remember that Australia was the first nation in the world to give women the right to vote and to stand for Parliament,” prompting applause from those present.
New Zealand enfranchised women in 1893, while South Australia followed in 1894 and Western Australia in 1899. It wasn’t until 1902 that all women in Australia were able to vote in federal elections. First Nations men and women in Australia were not able to vote in federal elections until 1962.
New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour responded to the remark, calling it “a bit embarrassing” and suggesting that Canada’s founding father, George Washington, “would be really embarrassed.” He further suggested Carney visit New Zealand to learn more about its history.
Seymour added, “That’s a bit embarrassing for Mark,” and encouraged Carney to visit New Zealand to gain a better understanding of its history.
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