Over the past nearly 40 years, three strong Labor women have held the seat of Canberra (or its short-lived variant Namadgi). And for the first time, they will all be in conversation together, at the National Press Club on Tuesday.
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A former minister in portfolios from sport to tourism to the environment, Ros Kelly was the Member for Canberra from 1980 to 1995, succeeded, briefly, by the Liberals' Brendan Smyth, following her resignation from politics.
Annette Ellis held the south Canberra-based seat Namadgi from 1996 to 1998, defeating Smith in what was otherwise a landslide election for the Coalition. She was then the very popular Member for Canberra from 1998 to 2010.
Gai Brodtmann has been Member for Canberra since 2010 after earlier defying the party's factional heavyweights to win preselection for the seat. Earlier this year, she announced her intentions to retire and not contest the next federal election.
So. Imagine all three in conversation in the same room, at the same time.
So many stories to tell and so much wisdom to impart. How has politics changed since Kelly entered Parliament in 1980? How has it stayed the same? Where to here from now?
What has it been like being a woman in politics? Apart from anything else, Kelly in 1983 became the first federal parliamentarian to give birth while an MP and in 1987, became the first Labor woman federal minister in the House of Representatives.
The conversation will be moderated by the Labor candidate for Canberra, Alicia Payne. All funds raised will be donated to Emily’s List to contribute to Labor women candidates in the Federal election.
The event is on Tuesday, November 13, at the National Press Club in Barton. Arrive at 5.30pm for a 6pm start. Tickets are essential and available here: trybooking.com/YUYO
