Trailblazers. Changemakers. Leaders.
Join us for a special Q&A panel lunch as we celebrate the historic milestone of 100 women elected to Queensland Parliament. This intimate and inspiring event brings together former and current female MPs to share their stories, challenges and achievements in shaping Queensland’s political landscape.
Enjoy a meticulously crafted three-course meal by our renowned Parliamentary chefs in the historic backdrop of Strangers’ Restaurant, a space once not open to women, while gaining firsthand insights from our distinguished panellists.
Q&A Panellists
- Ms Joan Sheldon AM – Former Deputy Premier, Treasurer, and Minister for the Arts; former state leader of the Liberal Party.
- Hon Amanda Camm MP (LNP) – Member for Whitsunday and Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services, Minister for Child Safety, and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence.
- Hon Leeanne Enoch MP (ALP) – Member for Algester and Shadow Minister for Closing the Gap and Reconciliation, Shadow Minister for Seniors and Disability Services, Shadow Minister for Integrity, and Shadow Minister for the Arts.
- Hon Meaghan Scanlon MP (ALP) – Member for Gaven and Shadow Attorney-General, Shadow Minister for Justice, Shadow Minister for Housing, Homelessness and Home Ownership
Honouring 100 Women in Parliament
Queensland’s journey toward gender equality in politics began with Irene Longman, the state’s first female MP, who served as the Member for Bulimba from 1929 to 1932. She was also the first woman to stand for election, challenging a sitting member in a traditionally safe seat.
During her term, Longman championed social, legal, and economic reforms to support women and children, securing Queensland’s first female police officer and establishing a separate Children’s Court.
It would take 37 years for another woman, Ellen ‘Vi’ Jordan, to be elected as the Member for Ipswich West (1966–1974). Since then, women have held Queensland’s highest political roles, including Speaker, Premier, Leader of the Opposition, Deputy Premier, Treasurer, and Minister.
This event is a unique opportunity to reflect on the achievements of women in Queensland Parliament, celebrate progress and engage in meaningful discussions about the future of women in politics.
