John Howard rips into Julia Gillard's misogyny speech

Former Prime Minister John Howard has lambasted as "nonsense" his successor Julia Gillard's famous misogyny speech.

Ms Gillard made international headlines when she lashed out in parliament in October 2012 at the alleged sexism of then opposition leader Tony Abbott.

Julia Gillard's exclusive tell-all interview will air on Channel 9 on Tuesday evening after the 6pm News.

"The idea that Tony Abbott is anti-women is ridiculous," Mr Howard told the Seven Network last night.

"I think it's the worst possible way of promoting a greater involvement by women in public life ... to play the misogyny card.

"And so many women of ability I know in the community poured scorn on that."

Mr Howard, who was PM from 1996 to 2007, also said he believed Ms Gillard was never able to exercise authority as PM because she was constantly justifying her role in the unseating of Kevin Rudd in 2010.

"Having done the extraordinary thing in participating in removing a first-term prime minster and then not to win the subsequent election, meant she never had authority," he said.

The former PM also addressed the heightened terror threat in Australia, saying a focus on integrating Muslim youths into the mainstream would help prevent them becoming radicalised.

Mr Howard said some people had spent too much time in closed communities where such radicalisation could occur.

"As many people know I'm not an overwhelming fan of the doctrine of multiculturalism," Mr Howard said.

"I believe in bringing people of different races, different religions, to this country but once you're here you've got to become part of the mainstream community."

Mr Howard said Australia still faced a real threat from terrorism.

"I don't think any Australian should assume we won't have a terrorist incident here," he said.

Mr Howard also said it would not be a good idea to restart a debate about levels of Muslim immigration.

"Apart from anything else, it would be seen amongst friends such as Indonesia and Malaysia as a negative thing," he said.

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