First female Speaker
11 February 1986
Joan Child becomes the first woman Speaker of the House of Representatives.
With the support of the House of Representatives, the Honourable Joan Child MP became the first woman Speaker in 1986.
When she was elected as Speaker it was suggested that she wear the traditional wig and ceremonial robes of the office to give her dignity. She reportedly replied: ‘When I put my clothes on in the morning, I don’t put my dignity on with them; I always have it with me.’
Joan Child built on the achievements of Dorothy Tangney and Edith Lyons, and paved the way for the next generation of female political leaders.

The Hon Joan Child, 1988 by Charles William Bush (1911-1989)
Historic Memorials Collection, courtesy of Parliament House Art Collection, Canberra, ACT