Portraits honour pioneering women of parliament
7 March 2024 Watch video
Two new portraits have been unveiled at Parliament House during an event to celebrate International Women’s Day.
The portraits are of Judy Maddigan, first woman Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and Monica Gould, first woman President of the Legislative Council.
Both became the Victorian Parliament’s first female Presiding Officers in 2003 during distinguished careers in parliament.
Painted by artists Anne Middleton and Jaq Grantford, the portraits were commissioned by current Presiding Officers Maree Edwards and Shaun Leane who hosted the event.
Maree Edwards commended Ms Maddigan and Ms Gould for their work in parliament and in the community.
'Both of these incredible women have shown a longstanding and enduring commitment to serving the community, and we celebrate their leadership during a significant era of change in Victoria,' Ms Edwards said.
'The parliament you served so well thanks you. We hope that your portraits to be displayed here will provide inspiration to all who work in and visit this place,' she said.
Participating in the event were a range of inspirational women who were invited by their local Members of Parliament in gratitude for their work in their local communities.
Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins and Shadow Minister for Women Cindy McLeish both spoke about the work that has been done to provide equal access for women to all aspects of community life.
They also spoke about the barriers and gaps that still need to be addressed.