Page 1706 - Week 06 - Thursday, 30 July 2020
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Sue was 45 years old when a horseriding accident led to what she described as a surprise entry into the disability sector. Through her own experience she lived the systemic inequality facing people with disability and over the next 25 years became one of Canberra’s and Australia’s most prominent and respected disability advocates.
Sue advocated on behalf of women with disability at a local, national and international level and held several notable roles throughout her career, including as convenor and chair of Women with Disabilities ACT, and as President of Women with Disabilities Australia.
Sue also served as co-chair of the ACT’s National Disability Insurance Scheme Expert Panel, shaping the territory’s nation-leading transition to the NDIS. Sue was a member of the Independent Advisory Council to the Board of the National Disability Insurance Agency and was involved with the Council of Australian Governments Summit on Reducing Violence Against Women. Sue worked hard to advance the interests and rights of people with disability and their families and was highly regarded across the many government and non-government bodies that she advised or worked with.
Sue showed an unwavering commitment to promoting an inclusive Canberra: a city that supports people with disability to achieve whatever they want, including in the workplace. Her longstanding work in the community was recognised when she was named 2014 ACT Senior Woman of the Year; 2015 Canberra Citizen of the Year; and, this year, ACT Senior Australian of the Year. In accepting that 2020 ACT Senior Australian of the Year award, Sue said the award gave her renewed strength: strength to continue campaigning for change and to continue campaigning for the importance of education, economic security and respect for people with disability.
Sue will be remembered not only for her many years of leadership but as a mentor who empowered many other women to realise their own leadership potential. I know there are many determined to continue her important work. I am sure all members will attest to the fact that it is impossible to do justice to Sue’s far-reaching impact and many achievements for our community in just one speech in this place. It is a reflection of that impact that so many members across the political divide will speak today to honour her life. I know that a couple of my colleagues who are unwell today will take the opportunity to speak in future Assembly sittings.
Madam Speaker, I extend my sincerest condolences to Sue Salthouse’s family, friends and acquaintances. She leaves our city with an indelible legacy. She will be sorely missed.
MR COE (Yerrabi—Leader of the Opposition) (10.43): The opposition joins all other members of the Assembly in paying tribute to Sue Salthouse. Sue was born in McKinnon, Melbourne, in 1949. She attended Kilvington Baptist Girls Grammar, where she took on several leadership roles, including being head prefect in 1966. Upon completing high school, she enrolled at the University of Melbourne to study agricultural sciences. She was encouraged by the green revolution of the 1960s and wanted to follow her love for science while advancing her understanding of the environment.
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