The passing of Susan Ryan is an immense loss to the Labor movement but her legacy will live on.

Susan was one of the great Labor reformers.

When she arrived in the Senate in 1975 it was as a 33-year-old single mum under the slogan ‘A woman’s place is in the Senate.’

Susan had the essence of a true leader - she brought people together, inspired them and gathered talented people around her (including my mother-in-law Quentin Bryce).

Susan was a hugely forgiving woman which was a balm for those who might find themselves on the receiving end of her fiery temper.

Susan loved the Labor Party, was fiercely loyal to it and worked tirelessly in its service.

In 1983 she became part of the formidable Hawke Cabinet responsible for the portfolios of Education, Youth Affairs and as the first Minister for Women.

As she recounted herself, it was a time when “it was not unlawful to sack women who married or became pregnant, or just because they were women.”

“Maternity leave was scarcely available. Women could not get home loans. Girls’ education was restricted and fewer girls got into higher education. Much of our community thought all of this was OK.”

But through her pioneering work, Susan changed much of that through the Sex Discrimination Act and Equal Employment Opportunity and the Affirmative Action Act.

These were the biggest reforms for Australian women since the vote and they were achieved only through Susan’s cunning and passion.

When others urged caution, Susan you showed courage.

When others counselled delay, you chose action.

But Susan’s reforms were regarded as threatening in some quarters and Susan was demonised by reactionaries.

Susan worked closely with Hawke and her achievements in education, and in later life tackling age discrimination and disability discrimination were equally significant.

Driving it all was not some wonkish zealotry but a joie de vivre. Educated by the Brigidene Sisters, Susan loved everything Irish, she loved Irish poetry, and was a great singer around the piano.

She was a loyal friend and a fabulous personality, and will be missed by many.

So often, when a loved one passes, the tributes the person deserves are delivered only after the honoree is no longer around to hear them.

I take some comfort in the fact Susan was still alive in 2017 when my wife Chloe, and Tanya Plibersek, published a glowing tribute to all that Susan had achieved.

They wrote: “Susan, you are the personification of political leadership, tenacity and compassion – a living reminder that the fight for progress and social justice can be won.”

Susan, you are no longer with us, but you will continue to serve as that reminder.

Condolences to Rory and the children.

SUNDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER 2020

MEDIA CONTACT: LIAM HOULIHAN 0438 366 400