NEWS_ARTICLE.RttP{RTTP's dream girl}

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22420723-2,00.html

ONE of Australia's leading models yesterday labelled as "sick" the appointment of a 12-year-old girl as the face - and body - of a major fashion show.

Supermodel Kirsty Hinze was shocked yesterday when told that Maddison Gabriel was named as the face of Gold Coast Fashion Week.

"I think that's awful," Hinze said.

"Gee I was a baby at 15 when I started, but 12? That's taking it to a whole new level. I don't care what she looks like," she said angrily.

"It is an adults world and adult products she is selling ... that is quite sick actually."

The Year 8 student last night said she was the right model for the job.

"I believe that I can fit into women's clothes, I can model women's clothes, so I should be able to do it," she told Channel 7.

"It doesn't matter about age, it matters that you can do the job."

Prime Minister John Howard and Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd led a chorus of concern and disapproval at the pre-teen's appointment, labelling it "quite outrageous".

"We do have to preserve some notion of innocence in our society," Mr Howard said.

"Catapulting girls as young as 12 into something like that is quite outrageous and I'm totally opposed to it and think most Australians would feel the same way."

Mr Rudd said he had "real concerns about littlies that young going out there doing that sort of thing".

Gold Coast Fashion Week organisers yesterday refused to back down, insisting Maddison's appointment is rock solid.

"We are not here to exploit young people at all but actually to promote and encourage young people to follow their dreams for their future and that is what we are trying to do with Maddison and we wish her luck," spokeswoman Kelly Wheiler said.

Maddison's mother, Michelle Gabriel, said her daughter - who turns 13 tomorrow - has been overwhelmed by all the media attention, but can't understand what "all the fuss" is about.

"She's laughing, she's having fun," Mrs Gabriel said. "She thinks you're all mad. She said, 'What's all the fuss?' I'm just waiting for someone to say we are bad parents."

Modelling industry heavyweights condemned the decision, labelling the move a publicity stunt.

"I'm shocked that they would even go there," Chic Models Management general manager Danielle Ragenard said.

"There would have been alarm bells ringing - unless that is what they wanted. But that would be really stooping to a new level."

Platform Models managing director Gordon Charles said 12 was always considered "too young".

"There are no exceptions," Mr Charles said. "No Sydney agency would have considered this girl. The Gold Coast seems to have gone out on a limb for this event."

The shocking images of eight-year-old Morgan Featherstone in dark eyeliner, tousled hair and a sexy pout first ignited the age debate in 2003.

Now 12 herself, the tween cautiously supported Maddison yesterday.