Former Tasmanian Liberal Senator Jocelyn Newman AO has been remembered as one of the “great female trailblazers” in Australian democracy.
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The 80-year-old died peacefully at Berry on the NSW South Coast on Sunday, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Described by her family as a “true feminist”, Mrs Newman entered federal parliament in 1986, filling a casual Senate vacancy for Tasmania.
She served in the Senate for 16 years, including roles as Social Security and Community Services Minister during the first term of the Howard government.
She was married to former infantry officer and Bass Liberal MHR Kevin Newman for 38 years before his death in 1999.
The couple met on a blind date at an army ball at Puckapunyal and both served as senior members of coalitions governments.
Tasmanian Liberal senator Eric Abetz described the couple’s contribution to Tasmania as “legendary”.
“Jocelyn was an army wife, a mother, a women’s shelter pioneer, a farmer, a tourism operator, a senator and a cabinet minister,” he said.
“She was renowned for her strength, resilience, vision and energy, along with a sense of humour.
“Her 16 years of dedicated service in Parliament serves as an enduring inspiration to all Tasmanians.
“In particular, she will go down in history alongside Dame Enid Lyons as one of the great female trailblazers in our democracy.”
Before entering politics, Mrs Newman worked as a solicitor.
She was well known in Launceston for her work with numerous community organisations including the Northern Tasmania regional child protection assessment committee, the National Trust, the Launceston Grammar school board, and the Independent Schools Association of Tasmania.
She also played a key role in establishing the Launceston Women’s Shelter.
Mrs Newman is survived by her son, former Queensland Premier Campbell Newman, daughter Kate Roff and four granddaughters.
A memorial service will be held in Canberra in the next fortnight.
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
