Dame Enid Lyons

1897-1981

The mother of 12 children (yes, 12!!) Dame Lyons was a great supporter of her husband Joseph Lyons as he progressed in his political roles throughout Tasmania, progressing to the role of Prime Minister in 1932.

Following his death in 1939, Enid's daughter suggested that she herself run for the vacant seat of Darwin (Braddon) and in 1943, she was successfully elected as the first female into the House of Representatives.
During her time in the House of Reps, she advocated for issues affecting women, including - pensions, housing, child endowment, domestic economy and service women's pay.

She observed that women in the public sphere must 'justify herself not as a woman, but as a citizen'