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PM's anti-Abbott smackdown goes global

Prime Minister Julia Gillard's spirited speech to parliament in which she called out Opposition Leader Tony Abbott's alleged sexist and misogynist views has become a global hit online.

Media outlets around the world have picked up on the PM’s remarks, labelling her a 'badass' for her 'epic speech'.

The Prime Minister used Tony Abbott's attempts to oust Peter Slipper as Speaker to turn the tables on Mr Abbott, launching a 15 minute tirade raking over his past statements about women.

"The Leader of the Opposition says that people who hold sexist views and who are misogynists are not appropriate for high office," the PM told parliament.

"Well, I hope the Leader of the Opposition has a piece of paper and he is writing out his resignation, because if he wants to know what misogyny looks like in modern Australia he does not need a motion in the House of Representatives; he needs a mirror. That is what he needs."

The Prime Minister went on to bring up several objectionable statements Mr Abbott has made in the past about the role of women, abortion, and his association with signs calling the PM a 'witch and a bitch'.

At one stage the PM even excoriated Mr Abbott for looking at his watch during her speech: "[Mr Abbott] is now looking at his watch because, apparently, a woman has spoken for too long", she said to howls of laughter from the government, and cries of protest from the opposition.

The speech has now gone global, with media outlets lauding the PM for her attack.

Jezebal, a US site aimed at women, described the speech as the "best thing you'll see all day: Australia's female prime minister rips misogynist a new one in epic speech on sexism".

Conservative UK newspaper The Telegraph called it a brilliant political move, going from "defending the indefensible" (the Peter Slipper scandal) and turning the tables on the Opposition leader.

"Watching a female Prime Minister tear apart the male leader of the Opposition with such aplomb, composure - but most importantly armed with a brilliantly impressive set of insults - backed up with dates and times of when each shocking comment was said - was the best card Gillard, ever the political animal, could have played in such a situation," the Telegraph said.

Business Insider described Mr Abbott as 'shrinking in embarrassment, as the Prime Minister destroys him for being a misogynist," while popular pop culture website posted a series of highlights from the speech.

Buzzfeed described the speech as "15 awesome minutes of Parliament".

Conservative magazine Spectator said the PM is "More than just a man's 'bitch' while The Daily Beast said "Margaret Thatcher must be smiling."

Even actors got it on the action, with UK actor Chris Addison saying, "This is the best smackdown I've ever seen. Glorious. Advance, Australia Fair!"

He then tweeted again: "That Julia Gillard speech is mesmerising. You can see the colour drain from him. Wonderful."