Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie has opened up about why she has decided to forgo dresses and skirts traditionally worn by female politicians in favour of suits and ties.
Senator McKenzie, who frequently appears in the Senate dressed in tailored trousers and blazers, spoke at a federal council on Saturday dressed in a pinstripe suit, vest, and a navy tie featuring the green and yellow Nationals colours.
She told Daily Mail Australia that she was surprised her attire attracted so much attention, in part because she had to wear a tie at school, during horse riding events when she was younger, and while pheasant shooting.
‘This isn’t the first time I’ve done this,’ she said.
‘But there’s been a lot commentary around it and that wasn’t something I expected, but I have received it both privately and professionally, and I find it interesting that it’s generated that.’
Part of the reason she decided to make suits a staple in her parliamentary wardrobe was because there were very few clothing options for women when she was elected to the Senate in 2011.
The aim was to draw as little attention to their outfits as possible, but things have changed.
Recently, she wore the same outfit on three days during a sitting week to see if anyone would notice. They didn’t.
Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie is pictured in her three-piece suit at the US Embassy, celebrating the 4th of July
Bridget McKenzie is pictured in a suit before appearing on television
Senator McKenzie often wears tailored trousers and blazers, like the light blue one above, in the Senate
Ms McKenzie now sees her attire as a way of telling Australians that she takes her role as a parliamentarian seriously, and wants to empower women not to be afraid of standing their ground and challenging the status quo.
‘Long before I was in politics, when I was a lecturer or teaching maths, I always tried to focus on empowering young women and, being in politics now, part of my role is to do that,’ she said.
‘But it’s also a bit of fun – three-piece suits are hard to find but suits aren’t a new thing, and maybe we need more women in suits.’
Ms McKenzie recently described herself as ‘out-duding the dudes’ by wearing a three-piece suit. Fleshing out the comment, she said ‘the vest is taking the suit to the next level, but it’s a bit tongue in cheek’.
The senator also responded to the latest Freshwater Strategy poll conducted for the Australian Financial Review, which found voters favour the Opposition on most of the major issues over the Albanese government.
According to the poll, the Coalition has gained a percentage point in a month to lead Labor by 52 per cent to 48 per cent on a two-party-preferred basis. That indicates a swing of 4.1 points away from the government since the May 2022 election.
Bridget McKenzie, left, has worn a three-piece suit to a variety of events
If replicated uniformly at a federal election, the swing would deliver the Coalition 75 seats, just one short of a majority, while Labor would drop from 78 to 65.
Ms McKenzie said Australians are fed up with inflation and high interest rates, and it’s reflected in the polls.
‘Out there in the suburbs, Australians are really hurting and they’re not seeing the government do anything meaningful to make things better for them,’ she said.
‘The high inflationary environment is impacting interest rates and prices, and instead of making the tough decisions to deal with that, the government has decided to beat up on Michelle Bullock at the RBA.’
Ms Bullock is the governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, which makes decision on inflation rates.
While inflation is up due to massive government spending during the pandemic, Ms McKenzie claimed the issue is Labor continues to spend money instead of scaling it back to bring inflation down.
‘We had three budgets where we’ve increased public spending and economists and Reserve Bank are saying that inflation is home-grown, and it’s entrenched.
‘The Labor Party likes to say it’s an international issue, but it’s not – other countries are seeing decreases because their governments have made tough decisions.’
Ms McKenzie used to wear skirts and dresses to work (pictured, centre) but she feels more comfortable in a suit
Bridget McKenzie (pictured, second left) said there were limited clothing options when she joined the Senate in 2011
She said the Coalition is prepared to make those decisions and make ‘a whole lot of choices’ about government spending to get the rates down.
‘People hate it when Labor ministers say “Australians are doing it tough” as if an empathy statement is going to make a difference,’ she said.
‘Australians are having to pay more, for longer than they should.’
According to the poll, the major issue that continues to drag down the Labor government is the cost of living.
It tops the ranking of the three major issues that concern voters – being picked by 74 per cent of respondents.
The Coalition has doubled its lead on this point in particular to 14 points as the best party to curb runaway prices.
Housing and accommodation was the second highest nominated issue of voter concern followed by health and social care, economic management, crime and social order with the environment and climate change trailing the pack.