Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care) Share this | Hansard source

I too rise to speak on the condolence motion for the Hon. Dr Rosemary Anne Crowley AO, and I associate myself with the remarks of my colleagues. Dr Crowley was a passionate former minister, but, most importantly to me, she was a senator for my home state of South Australia. She was massively respected in her own community and was a very respected member of the medical community, having made very significant contributions to health and family services during her time both as a medical specialist and in this place. They are contributions which no doubt have made a lasting impact on the lives of many South Australians and Australians alike. Dr Crowley's unwavering commitment to bettering the lives of South Australians is something that should be not just acknowledged but greatly admired.

This commitment certainly extended beyond her important work as a medical practitioner and as an educator. She was an inspiring woman in her own right. She was a great advocate for social justice. She was committed to the principles of fairness, equality and opportunity. Her leadership as the first female Labor senator from South Australia helped pave the way for women in politics and in the Public Service. It's a legacy that transcends the political divide.

Notably, Dr Crowley founded the now quite famous Adelaide International Women's Day Breakfast. This year, it was quite inspiring to be at that event—sadly, without Rosemary being there, as she has been every other year that I've been able to attend. But I think she would have been incredibly proud to see how many people now attend that event every year. Over 3,000 women came out on International Women's Day. An event that started off as just a small thought in Rosemary's mind and grew has now grown into one of the most important events in the South Australian calendar. It continues to inspire and empower women across the state every single year. I'm sure that's what she intended. As I said, it was a privilege to attend the breakfast because it gave everyone in that room the ability to acknowledge the extraordinary work of this extraordinary woman and this extraordinary South Australian.

I send my heartfelt sympathies to Dr Crowley's friends and family and acknowledge her family that are here today. I know her passing is a great loss to Australia and to South Australia but it is the greatest loss to you. There is no doubt that her contributions will endure. They will endure across the whole of Australia. Today we pay our respects. Vale the Hon. Dr Rosemary Anne Crowley.