Tuesday, 5 March 2024

Linda White

Mathew HILAKARI (Point Cook) (13:14): Vale, Linda White. The labour movement knew Linda was 100 per cent for unions. The Labor Party knew Linda was 100 per cent for the party. The extraordinary capacity of Senator Linda White made both these things true simultaneously, and Linda was much loved for it – 25 years as assistant national secretary of the Australian Services Union, her love and her passion. A fighter for gender equality – I witnessed her securing the affirmative action deal in 2015, an effort that has made Labor better. Linda did not need airs and graces. She wanted change, and she was effective at achieving it.

Her role in the 2012 equal pay case improved the lives of 200,000 non-government social and community service workers, who were mainly women. Linda was in it for the long haul, recovering entitlements for Ansett workers in a decade-long struggle. Linda was a bridge between the ALP national executive and the state branch through their first intervention in 50 years, and what followed has been our greatest electoral success in generations. Linda was a part of that success – a firm part of it. Finally, Linda wanted bread for all, and roses too. Linda contributed to the MCG and the Royal Botanic Gardens and had a particular love for the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, telling me often of the importance of the children of Melbourne’s west having access to the cultural institutions of our state. A Senate term cut too short – a loss to Labor and to the Labor Party. I will miss your advice and friendship. You are already missed. Vale, Linda White.