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House of Assembly - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2022-12-01 Daily Xml
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Grievance Debate

Fisher, Ms E.M.

The Hon. K.A. HILDYARD (Reynell—Minister for Child Protection, Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (15:21): I rise today to speak about the life of a South Australian trailblazer who committed herself across her entire lifetime to secure and advance the rights of women and girls in our state. Elizabeth 'Betty' Mary Fisher AM sadly passed away on 23 November 2022 leaving a remarkable legacy that will continue to inspire girls and women and indeed all people for a very long time to come.

On behalf of our government, I pass on our sincere condolences to Betty's friends, family and all who loved her. In offering love and condolences, I also recognise a number of people who were both inspiring to and inspired by Betty, people who absolutely loved and respected her: former member of this place, the Hon. Steph Key; the member for Badcoe, who I understand will also pay tribute to Betty in this place; and many, many others. As they and all who connected with Betty knew, Betty was a person of remarkable strength, integrity and commitment to further the many causes that could make a difference in people's lives, causes where she saw the need to raise her voice and raise her voice she certainly did.

Betty Fisher was born on 8 September 1925 in Yorkshire and arrived in South Australia in 1927 on the SS Benalla. For Betty's entire life, she was a proud and outspoken feminist and advocate for the rights and recognition of women and girls, Aboriginal rights and environmental conservation. In each of these passions, Betty lived the mantra of doing everything she could in the time she had to further these causes and she did so with peace, kindness and determination.

Betty thrived in encouraging future generations to continue this work and, encouraged by Betty's incredible commitment, determination and hard work, many of us in here and many beyond will indeed continue that work and continue to find our voices and empower the voices of others strong in the knowledge that we stand on Betty's shoulders, a giant of relentless advocacy for fairness and equality.

Serving as the very first woman president of the Conservation Council of South Australia, Betty was such a strong advocate for our state's environment and for preserving it for future generations. Later in life, this passion and ongoing work for conservation earned her the Lifetime Achievement Award in the South Australian Environment Awards.

Betty led the way as a foundation member of the Women's Electoral Lobby South Australia and was the original newsletter editor for the Women's Electoral Lobby here in SA. Her passion for championing the breaking down of any barriers for women and girls was central to all that Betty contributed to and was equal to her passion for showcasing the achievements of girls and women.

Betty was a member of the Women's Suffrage Centenary Committee and for eight years diligently served as the International Women's Day Committee President. The International Women's Day Committee, authored by Betty, released a women's roll of honour to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of over 2,000 South Australian women. This role is a perfect representation of Betty's ongoing work to publicly acknowledge the role of women in our community.

Betty was the first woman to become Printing and Kindred Industries Union delegate to the South Australian Trades and Labour Council. Prior to this service, she was delegate for the South Australian Railways Union. Amongst these and many other roles, Betty was involved with the National Fitness Council of South Australia and was the secretary for the Women's Creative Arts and Crafts Groups.

As recognition for her work and passion, Betty received both a Bicentenary Medal and Flinders University Medal for services to women. Betty received Netball South Australia life membership and life membership of the Australian Labor Party (South Australia Branch). Betty's advocacy for Aboriginal rights and the environment came into the spotlight during the Hindmarsh Island royal commission where she produced notes from the 1960s in support of secret women's business.

Thank you, Betty, for your remarkable lifelong dedication to advancing the interests of others and the sustainability of our environment. You will continue to be a shining light to so many of us and will continue to strengthen our words, our action and our resolve. Vale, Betty. May you rest in peace.

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