Bridget Archer (Bass, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Though none of us wish we were here for this occasion today, it is a privilege to speak in honour of our Peta. I say 'our' as, although she was a proud member of the Labor family, she was also loved by so many from all sides in this place. Listening to the condolence motions so far, I think Peta would be a little bit chuffed, very embarrassed at all the fuss and probably also wanting to desperately chime in to correct a few things we might not have got right.

How apt it is that Peta was the first woman elected to represent the electorate of Dunkley, named after Louisa Dunkley, a strong woman, a feminist, who fought fiercely for equal pay and led a life committed to making her community and her country a better place for all—values embodied by Peta.

As a fellow member of the class of 2019, I came to know Peta in our early days here as we learnt to navigate this strange new normal. As I sat and listened to her first speech, on 24 July 2019, I knew our parliament had seen the arrival of a woman who was fierce, frank, a fighter who radiated warmth and friendliness. As I came to know her, all these attributes shone through, as did her sassy sense of humour. When things could become a little tough—as they do around here, at times—she never failed to reach out to encourage me and make me smile, and I hope I did the same for her.

Last year, Peta asked me to join her as co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Women's Health, a position she tackled with gusto, ensuring the challenges that women faced across a range of health issues did not stay hidden and giving a voice to patients, health professionals and advocates in the halls of parliament. Peta would lead these events with her typical candour, and a dose of wit and sarcasm when needed, always making those around her feel comfortable in sharing some very personal stories. Peta, I promise I will try to keep your work going.

This year, I've also had the privilege of getting to know Peta's beloved husband, Professor Rod Glover, through my involvement in the McKinnon Advanced Political Leadership course. It was clear to me that Rod and Peta were a great match for each other, and I have to think there must have been some magnificent debates between the two of them in their more than 20 years together. My deepest love and condolences to Rod on the loss of his partner.

Reading social media comments is never a place MPs willingly wade into, but yesterday I was reading the outpouring of love shared on Peta's Facebook page after her passing was announced. Unsurprisingly, it was full of love, praise and wonderful tributes to a woman who, through a long career that spanned law, public service and federal politics, clearly connected with so many from across all walks of life. Peta was absolutely in this job for the right reasons, and I hope she was proud of the legacy that she created.

I'd like to read out a message from the Women's Spirit Project, an organisation that Peta referenced in her first speech, a cause that was clearly dear to her. In part, it read:

It has been an absolute honour to know you and to have your incredible support. With heartful admiration for you and all you have done. You will be dearly missed …

My deepest condolences to Peta's mum and dad, Bob and Jan, and to her sisters, Jodi and Penni, extended family and friends. I'd also like to express my deepest sympathies and appreciation to her staff. In a job like this, with so many hours spent in parliament and on the road, our staff become like family, and I know that you're also feeling the pain and loss of losing Peta. My love to you all.

Go gently, now, Peta. Your legacy is immense. Politics and democracy has been strengthened by the example you set every day that you served, and you'll always be the strongest girl in the world. We'll miss you very much.

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