Former Australian PM to address Senedd on women's power

Barry-born Julia Gillard has spoken in the past about the importance of her Welshness to her self-identity. Credit: PA

Barry-born Julia Gillard is delivering a lecture at the Senedd today, where she will be discussing barriers women face in the public sphere.

Gillard, who was born in Barry and whose father is from Cwmgwrach in the Neath Valley, migrated with her family to Australia in 1966.

She was the first woman to become Prime Minister of Australia, and famously took the Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott, to task over misogyny in Australian politics.

The speech forms part of Dame Rosemary Butler AM's 'Women in Public Life' campaign, which she launched four years ago in a bid to get more Welsh women involved in public life in roles like school governors, local councillors and magistrates that are generally male dominated.

Dame Butler describes having Julia Gillard at the National Assembly as a 'great coup' for Wales.

Dame Rosemary Butler has organised the event in her role as Presiding Officer. Credit: ITV Wales