Australian Prime Minister’s remark sparks row

Sydney: Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott was accused on Monday of craving “a world where men do the big jobs and women do the ironing” after saying his biggest achievement for females was reducing household bills by axing a carbon tax.

The backlash came after he unveiled sweeping changes on Sunday to his ministry, dumping Defence Minister David Johnston, promoting Immigration Minister Scott Morrison and appointing only his second woman to cabinet.

“As many of us know, women are particularly focused on the household budget and the repeal of the carbon tax means a $447 a year benefit for the average family,” the Prime Minister told the Nine Network.