Dame Dorothy Tagney

1907-1984

Growing up as 1 of 9 children during the Depression, Dorothy witnessed unemployed men begging for food and was appalled that 'human beings should be dependent on charity for mere existence'. Unsuccessfully standing in 1936 and 1939, Dorothy was unexpectedly elected to fill a vacancy in 1943 and subsequently became the first woman elected as a Federal Senator.

Dame Tangney saw the value in national health systems and educational programs to assist the development of the poor. She championed equal pay and opportunities for women.