Sue Hickey: Action and energy
Sue Hickey prides herself on getting things done, which she does.
Almost 100 years ago, Edith Cowan became the first woman elected to an Australian parliament, in March 1921.
In Her Seat is asking as many currently serving female politicians as we can how they view gender equality, politics and their impact.
This is a non-partisan project that is soliciting contributions from women in all parties, or none at all, in every parliament.
Sue Hickey is one of the Members for Clark in the Tasmanian House of Assembly, and the Speaker of the House.
First elected to parliament in 2018, she immediately became the Speaker. As Speaker, she presides over debate and the governance of the House. Speakers are unable to contribute to debate, Hickey says below that this requires her to advocate for her electorate in other ways.
Before parliament, Sue was the Lord Mayor of Hobart which saw activity on environmental, homelessness and accountability issues. For 26 years she ran her own marketing and business services business.
Sue has a long-term interest and support for disadvantaged communities, especially those experiencing homelessness and people with disabilities. In 2020, she shaved her hair off for cancer awareness and fundraising.
What does gender equality mean to you?
Gender equality means that all genders have equal opportunity and equal reward.
I believe we have come a very long way in many industries but there is still much more to do.
Which female politicians have inspired or encouraged you?
The politicians who have inspired me are Maggie Thatcher for her no-nonsense approach and her sense of self.
I was originally inspired by the first female Lord Mayor of Hobart, Alderman Doone Kennedy. Doone was a force of nature who had a real sense of duty and a wonderful sense of humour and was widely recognised for ability to relate to people from all walks of life.
I consider myself lucky to have become the second female Lord Mayor in her footsteps albeit some 20 years later!
What inspired you to serve your community?
As a young woman I was always conscious of social equity but when crowned Miss Tasmania 1979 I was the spearhead of fundraising for the Cerebal Palsy Association.
This led me to a life of professional begging, always trying to assist charities by getting donations and recognition. It has been a lifelong habit and a rewarding addiction.
What are the most important contributions you are making in Parliament?
As Speaker of the House in Parliament I am unable to contribute to debate.
I find this very frustrating but I use my voice as an elected representative of my electorate whenever I can and have been outspoken on many social issues.
I am constantly advocating with our Premier, behind the scenes for better social outcomes and for common-sense decisions…rare in a political environment.
What is next for gender equality in politics?
Our parliament has a majority of females and in this regard we have done well.
This means there is equal pay for equal work however, we still need to work on creating more female ministers to ensure the influence is equal.
In Her Seat interviews can be accessed here
