Carol Brown (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport) Share this | Hansard source

I wish I didn't need to give this speech today, as everyone would. It's been a particularly difficult time for the Labor Party, saying farewell to our beloved Senator Linda White. I first would like to say to Linda's staff, Ben and the team: what a wonderfully brilliant team you are—your work for Linda, with love and humour. She was so incredibly proud of her team.

I had the opportunity to also attend the memorial service last Thursday. The memorial service was absolutely beautiful. It provided an opportunity for me to gain an insight outside the ALP to Linda's life, revealing glimpses of what a wonderfully fabulous person Linda was. For this, I thank her team, her staff, but also thank those that gave these wonderful, at times funny, at times very emotional speeches. They were so beautifully said and so beautifully meant. I thank her brother, Michael White; Anthony Albanese; of course, our own Senator Tim Ayres; David Leydon; Emeline Gaske; Sabina Wakefield; and George Georgiou. Those speeches did give to me that opportunity to see Linda more broadly and to get an understanding of her life from the very beginning to the Linda that I first came to know.

Like many people in their contributions, I first heard about Linda White long before I had the pleasure of meeting Linda, and seeing her in action was truly remarkable. And that was Linda—action, determination and tangible results. Today we honour the remarkable life of Linda White, a passionate advocate for justice and equality whose dedication to her work touched the lives of so many in the union movement, in the ALP and in government. Linda's commitment to fighting for the rights of others was evident in every aspect of her life, from her career as a lawyer, a union official and a Labor senator for Victoria to her involvement in shaping government policies.

Throughout her career, Linda tirelessly worked to ensure that the voices of the marginalised were heard. As a union organiser, she saw firsthand the struggles faced by workers and felt a deep sense of responsibility to protect their rights. Linda understood that governments held the power to enact change and believed in their ability to create opportunities for those who may have otherwise been left behind. Linda was not content to simply stand by and watch injustice unfold. She dedicated herself to the cause of social and economic justice, advocating for policies that would uplift communities and provide them with the support they need. Whether it was fighting for fair wages, access to health care or affirmative action for women, Linda was unwavering in her commitment to creating a more just society. Her belief in the power of collectivism was a driving force in her work. She understood that true change could only come through solidarity and collaboration. Linda often reminded us that workers were not just cogs in a machine but vital partners in the success of businesses and the economy as a whole, and she fought to ensure that they were treated with the dignity and respect they deserved.

Linda's influence extended far beyond the workplace. Her involvement in the ALP was instrumental in shaping party policies that particularly promoted equality and social justice. Her efforts and leadership on party committees helped to ensure that women were heard and included and that affirmative action measures were implemented, and she was ever watchful that they were in force, lest they slide backwards. I have to say you do have to keep an eye on the men. Linda White taught me that!

Most importantly, Linda will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to those that she served. She was always willing to go the extra mile to ensure the right thing was done, no matter how long it took or how difficult the path. Her compassion and determination touched the lives of everyone she encountered, leaving behind a legacy of hope and inspiration. As we say goodbye to Linda, let us not only mourn the loss of a dear friend and colleague but also celebrate the incredible impact she had. May her memory continue to inspire us to fight for justice and equality. I offer my condolences to Linda's family, friends and staff. Vale, Linda White.