Tim Hammond (Perth, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to pay tribute to an extraordinary woman, Hazel Butorac OAM, who, on International Women's Day, on 8 March, was inducted into the Western Australian Women's Hall of Fame. Hazel has long been an advocate for women and is passionate about supporting marginalised people. She was honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2013 for services through a range of organisations, including the Council on the Ageing WA, Mature Adults Learning Association, Midland Women's Health Care Place, Citizens Advice Bureau, Koolkuna women's refuge, the soroptimists and a host of others. Hazel is no stranger to this place. She is a former staffer of long standing and was instrumental in the creation of the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 after finding herself in the frustrating position of being the sole typist and secretary to three male MPs and two male researchers.

Sharon Claydon (Newcastle, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Oh my God!

Tim Hammond (Perth, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Indeed! As the member for Perth, it is an absolute privilege to have someone of Hazel's experience, competence, capacity and expertise around the place. We speak often and run into each other at all sorts of community events. She is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable in our society as well as a font of endless wisdom. I commend Hazel for all she has been able to achieve so far and congratulate her on her induction into the WA Women's Hall of Fame. Hazel, I must say, your star continues to shine just as bright in your local community, across the state and across Australia. Well done, Hazel.