Julie Collins (Franklin, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Regional Development and Local Government) Share this | Hansard source

Joan Kirner really was a remarkable woman, as we have heard. She was warm, she was funny and she was brave. She had been fighting her illness for quite some time, and now of course she is at rest. As we have all heard, Joan made her contribution in the community as a teacher, as a parent, as a minister, as a Deputy Premier and as Victoria's first female Premier. Her commitments to social justice and to gender equality were remarkable and are on the record, as well as her role in the establishment of Landcare. All of these things are really outstanding. But Joan as Victoria's first female Premier and because of all she has done to support, encourage and promote other women has ensured that she will not be the only one. For me, this is Joan's greatest contribution in our community—particularly the lasting legacy of EMILY's List, which she and others drove after she had formally left politics. Many of the women on this side of politics are part of Joan's legacy. She kept pushing until things changed. She crashed the glass ceiling and she encouraged others to follow her through.

I first had the privilege of meeting Joan during my time as a staff member for a former senator, during the 1997-98 establishment of EMILY's List. Joan was driven. She was determined that we needed a tangible vehicle to drive change to get more women into parliaments and into leadership roles in our communities. I was very honoured in 2006 when I first stood for parliament to have Joan Kirner as my appointed mentor as an EMILY's List member. Joan would call me at the end of every day, during the campaign, to talk to me about the personal and about the politics. She was always a great listener, but importantly she was ready with advice. She was so grounded. She gave great advice about managing and balancing family life and politics. I, like so many progressive women in politics, will be forever grateful for that advice and that support.

I am just one of many women from my home state of Tasmania who were influenced and encouraged by Joan. Others such as our first female Tasmanian Premier, Lara Giddings, who spoke to our papers this week about her relationship with Joan. The former member for Bass in this place and now Tasmanian Deputy Labor leader, Michelle O'Byrne, and former state minister Paula Wriedt, were also supported by Joan. Joan was also well known and loved by our former state ministers Fran Bladel and Judy Jackson. Fran was one of those who helped establish EMILY's list, with Joan and others.

Joan is so very well respected by so many. She has earned this respect, and I know she will be missed. But I also know that Joan and all she has achieved will never be forgotten. My sincere condolences to her husband, her children and her grandchildren. I want to thank them for the sacrifices that I know that they would have made to share Joan with so many of us. She is indeed a remarkable woman, who will be very sadly missed. My heart goes out to her family and friends at this very important time.

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