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Tony Abbott says he doesn't support banning the burqa, but admits he finds it "confronting" and wishes people wouldn't wear it.

Does Australia stand for the freedom of women? Or for their oppression? As the country confronts the barbarians of the so-called Islamic State, the answer from the national leader should be strong and clear.

The Prime Minister had an ideal opportunity to demonstrate leadership today with a powerful affirmation of the freedom of women.

Hedging: Prime Minister Tony Abbott Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

But, asked whether he thought that women should be banned from wearing burqas, Tony Abbott hedged. He missed the opportunity.

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He reverted to the same position he held as head of the opposition, a tribal leader and not a national one.

"I have said before that I find it a fairly confronting form of attire," Abbott told a press conference today.

Photo: John Shakespeare

Original post:

Tony Abbott's cave-in to divisive policy of backbenchers a failure of leadership