Maiden Speech

Dorothy Tangney was Australia's first woman senator and the first Labor woman in federal parliament. She was a tireless advocate for education, and health and welfare services for all Australians. In 1929 she established the Fremantle Young People's Ideal Club, providing activities for disadvantaged children, and was a foundation member of the Boys' Employment League. Tangney was president of the Labor Party's Claremont branch for many years, serving on the Labor Party state executive. She campaigned unsuccessfully for election to state parliament and the Senate. Tangney championed improvements to social services and housing, increased pensions, a national health system, and free university education. Her keen interest in international relations led her to become the first Australian woman to attend an Empire Parliamentary Association conference in London (1948).