How many women have served as the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of Representatives?
The Hon Joan Child, 1988 by Charles William Bush (1911-1989)
Historic Memorials Collection, courtesy of Parliament House Art Collection, Canberra, ACT
The Hon Joan Child, 1988 by Charles William Bush (1911-1989)
Historic Memorials Collection, courtesy of Parliament House Art Collection, Canberra, ACT
Description
This portrait of the Honourable Joan Child MP was painted in oil paint by Charles Bush in 1988. It is part of the Australian Parliament’s Historic Memorials Collection. Joan Child was the first woman elected as Speaker of the House of Representatives in 1986.
Permission for publication must be sought from Parliament House Art Collection. Contact DPS Art Services, phone: 02 62775034 or 02 62775123
Hi Keshwa, thanks for your question.
Five women have served as Presiding Officer of the two houses of parliament.
The Honourable Joan Child became the first woman elected as a Presiding Officer when she became Speaker of the House of Representatives on 11 February 1986. Remaining in the role until 28 August 1989, Ms Child was a member of the Australian Labor Party representing the electorate of Henty in Victoria.
A woman has been Speaker two other times:
- Ms Anna Burke (9 October 2012 to 5 August 2013). Ms Burke was a member of the Australian Labor Party from the electorate of Chisholm in Victoria.
- The Hon Bronwyn Bishop (12 November 2013 to 2 August 2015). Mrs Bishop was a member of the Liberal Party of Australia representing the electorate of Mackellar in New South Wales.
Two women have served as the President of the Senate:
- The Hon Margaret Reid (20 August 1996 to 18 August 2002). Senator Reid was a member of the Liberal Party of Australia and a senator for the Australian Capital Territory.
- The Hon Sue Lines became the President of the Senate on 26 July 2022. Senator Lines is a senator for Western Australia and a member of the Australian Labor Party.