Make History Speaker Series - Women in the House

2024 marks 130 years since South Australia led the nation and the world in granting the right for women to vote and stand for parliament when South Australia passed the Constitutional Amendment (Adult Suffrage) Act in 1894, decades ahead of Europe and North America. This crucial first step towards political equality required years of petitioning and 11,000 signatures.
Despite Selena Siggins standing for parliament in 1918, it was 41 years before Jessie Cooper and Joyce Steele were successfully elected in 1959, and it wasn’t until 1962 that Aboriginal Australians-men and women-were able to vote, and nearly 50 years later before the country saw its first female Prime Minister come to office.
In South Australia’s current Parliament, women hold key positions in Cabinet and leadership roles across the political spectrum, although equal representation is yet to gain full momentum.
130 years of women’s suffrage in South Australia coincides with the University of Adelaide’s 150th anniversary and to celebrate the milestones a special Make History Speaker Series event-Women in the House-brings together a powerful panel of prominent current and former female figures in state and federal politics at the University. All four panellists are returning alumni.
Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Senator the Honourable Penny Wong is Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Leader of the Government in the Senate, and Senator for South Australia.
Senator Sarah-Hanson Young, Senator for South Australia
Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is a passionate environmentalist, community campaigner, feminist, and human rights activist.
Hon Vickie Chapman, Former Deputy Premier of South Australia
Hon Vickie Chapman is a former Australian politician, representing the South Australian House of Assembly seat of Bragg for the South Australian Division of the Liberal Party of Australia.
Natasha Stott Despoja AO, Former Senator for South Australia
Natasha Stott Despoja AO is an Australian politician, diplomat, gender equality advocate and author.