Page 1715 - Week 06 - Thursday, 30 July 2020
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community. But she was absolutely committed to doing this and welcomed the knowledge WWD ACT’s diverse feminine-identifying and non-binary members brought and shared.
Canberra’s disability community, particularly the sisterhood of Women with Disabilities, is one of the strongest and most vibrant groups of people I have ever had the privilege of meeting and working with. Sue had been at the very heart of this community for more than 20 years. I know her loss is still incomprehensible to many.
Madam Speaker, I think that one of the reasons Sue’s death was such a shock, apart from its suddenness, is that Sue was so very alive. I was fortunate enough to be invited to Sue’s 70th birthday party at the Street Theatre. I almost did not go. I am so very glad I did, because that event was Sue through and through: welcoming, warm and full of hope and optimism, surrounded by diverse and interesting friends and her loving family.
To her family—Karyn, Ruth and Alex, Luisa, Jenara and Yilani, Adam, Ta and Chris, I am so sorry. Canberra has lost a beloved community leader but you have lost so much more. To Sue’s other family, Women with Disabilities Australia and Women with Disabilities ACT, I hope I will soon be able to catch up with you to celebrate everything about Sue.
Sue, we will miss your intelligence, wit and warmth. Your death has left a big hole in many lives, but your life has improved the lives of thousands of others. Vale.
MR BARR (Kurrajong—Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Social Inclusion and Equality, Minister for Tourism and Special Events and Minister for Trade, Industry and Investment) (11.17): Madam Speaker, I seek leave of the Assembly to incorporate into Hansard the speech on the condolence motion of the Attorney-General, Minister Ramsay.
Leave granted.
The incorporated speech read as follows:
MR RAMSAY: Over 30 years Sue Salthouse made a significant impact on every community she touched and an unforgettable impact on every person she touched. Like many, I am one of those people. I had the profound privilege of working with Sue before being elected to this place, through our joint work in elements of the community sector. We connected more strongly again through our nominations as part of the 2015 Australian of the Year awards, when she was nominated for ACT Australian of the Year. While that particular recognition was not given to her that year, it was an absolute highlight when, as Minister for Seniors, I was able to make a beeline for her at the ACT Australian of the Year Awards last year to congratulate her on being named the ACT Senior Australian of the Year for 2020. It was a delightful conversation that night as Sue added to her many well-deserved pieces of public recognition. Many of them have already been mentioned this morning.
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