Fiona was Australia’s first Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence and was also Minister for Women.

We watched Fiona tell her personal story last year on Australian Story with admiration for her bravery in speaking out. We, many who have known her for over 20 years, did not know of her past. We spoke with her about her fearlessness and determination that no child would grow up with the abuse that she had experienced.

“We don't just want to reduce family violence – we want to stop it before it starts. That requires dedicated, long-term action” – Fiona’s words will be remembered and her work will be continued.

We will not give up on equality for women: whether it is in our homes, our paychecks or on our sporting fields.

Prior to being elected, Fiona was already paving the way for women coming into the Australian Labor Party as a factional leader. Through this position, Fiona helped women see that the ALP values the contributions of women and strives for equality. Fiona was a strong supporter of the affirmative action rules and she was involved in ensuring women ran for internal party leadership positions.

Fiona was a woman who walked the talk.

Fiona also employed not one but three EMILY's List women on her ministerial staff, mentoring and encouraging their advocacy for women in the party.

“Fiona’s passion and commitment to making Victoria and Australia a more just and equal society, where women can live their lives without fear or abuse, is a commitment we also share, EMILY’s List CEO Lisa Carey said.

“We will ensure her legacy lives on by supporting more women like her into our parliaments – women dedicated to fighting for equality”.

We thank Fiona for the way she ruthlessly drew government and community attention to the scourge of family violence, doing it in her kind and loving way.

Fiona has left a legacy behind that will not be forgotten, but she will be greatly missed. Fiona is survived by her husband Stephen and children Marcus and Catherine.

Media Contact: Lisa Carey, CEO
0438 953 181 / [email protected]

EMILY’s List Australia is a financial and political support network for progressive Labor women candidates, providing financial support, training, mentoring and gender gap research.

Online: www.emilyslist.org.au Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/EMILYsListAus