Quentin Bryce facts for kids

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Quick facts for kids The Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD, CVO, , FASSA
Bryce in 2013

25th Governor-General of Australia
In office 5 September 2008 – 28 March 2014
Monarch	Elizabeth II
Prime Minister	Kevin Rudd Julia Gillard Tony Abbott
Preceded by	Michael Jeffery
Succeeded by	Sir Peter Cosgrove
24th Governor of Queensland
In office 29 July 2003 – 29 July 2008
Monarch	Elizabeth II
Premier	Peter Beattie Anna Bligh
Preceded by	Peter Arnison
Succeeded by	Penelope Wensley

Personal details
Born	Quentin Alice Louise Strachan (1942-12-23) 23 December 1942 (age 82) Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Spouse	Michael Bryce (m. 1964; died 2021)
Children	5, including Chloe
Relatives	Bill Shorten (son-in-law)
Alma mater	University of Queensland
Signature

Dame Quentin Alice Louise Bryce, born Quentin Alice Louise Strachan on 23 December 1942, is an Australian academic and public servant. She made history as the 25th Governor-General of Australia from 2008 to 2014, becoming the first woman to hold this important role. Before that, she was the 24th Governor of Queensland from 2003 to 2008.

Born in Brisbane, Queensland, Quentin Bryce grew up in several country towns. She studied at the University of Queensland, earning degrees in Arts and Law. She was one of the first women allowed to join the Queensland Bar, which means she could have become a lawyer.

Throughout her career, Bryce held many significant positions. She was the first woman to teach law at her university. She also worked to support women's rights and equality, serving as the Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner from 1988 to 1993. Her dedication to the community earned her several honours, including being appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2003.

In 2003, she became the Governor of Queensland. Then, in 2008, she was chosen to be the Governor-General of Australia. This role is the King or Queen's representative in Australia. She was sworn in on 5 September 2008. Her time as Governor-General ended on 28 March 2014, when Sir Peter Cosgrove took over.

Early Life and Education
Career Highlights
Governor of Queensland
Governor-General of Australia
- Public Discussions and the Role of Governor-General
Supporting Charities and Community
Honours and Awards
- Honorary Military Positions
- Honorary University Degrees
See also

Early Life and Education

Quentin and Michael Bryce

Quentin Alice Louise Strachan was born in 1942 in Brisbane. She was the second of four daughters. Her parents, Norman Walter Strachan and Edwina Naida Wetzel, lived in Ilfracombe when she was born. Quentin and her sisters were taught at home for a while instead of going to the local school.

In 1949, her family moved to Launceston, Tasmania, for about a year. They then returned to Queensland and settled in Belmont. While living in Belmont, she attended Camp Hill State School. It was there that she first met her future husband, Michael Bryce. She was also a Brownie in Girl Guides Australia.

Later, in 1956, Quentin Strachan went to boarding school at Moreton Bay College in Wynnum, Brisbane. After finishing high school, she went to the University of Queensland. She first studied social work and arts, but then switched to law in her third year. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1962 and a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1965. In that same year, she became one of the first women allowed to join the Queensland Bar, though she did not work as a lawyer.

Quentin Strachan married Michael Bryce on 12 December 1964. They had five children together: two daughters and three sons. Michael Bryce passed away on 15 January 2021.

Career Highlights

Bryce at Floriade, the national flower show in Canberra on 3 October 2010.

After spending some time in London, Quentin Bryce returned to Australia. In 1968, she started working as a part-time tutor at the T. C. Beirne School of Law at the University of Queensland. This made her the first woman to be appointed to the law faculty there. She continued to teach at the university until 1983.

In 1978, the government created the National Women's Advisory Council. Bryce was appointed to this council, which aimed to advise the government on issues affecting women. She became the convener of the council in 1982. In 1984, she became the first director of the Queensland Women's Information Service. This service helped provide information and support to women. She also became the "women's representative on the National Committee on Discrimination in Employment and Occupation." In 1987, she became the Queensland director of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC). This commission works to protect human rights and ensure fairness for everyone.

From 1988 to 1993, Bryce served as the Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner. In this role, she worked to prevent unfair treatment based on gender. During her time, the commission handled many complaints each year. This period also saw many new laws being made to improve women's rights.

After her time as Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Bryce became the first chair and CEO of the National Childcare Accreditation Council. She worked there for three years. From 1997 to 2003, she was the principal and CEO of The Women's College at the University of Sydney. This role allowed her to influence the lives of many young students.

Quentin Bryce has also been involved in many other important groups. She was the chair of the National Breast Cancer Advisory Council and served on the Australian Women's Cricket Board. She was also a member of groups like the YWCA and the Australian Children's Television Foundation.

Governor of Queensland

Bryce (far right) during a March 2009 visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

In 2003, Quentin Bryce was appointed Governor of Queensland. She was the second woman to hold this position. The Premier of Queensland, Peter Beattie, suggested her for the role, and Elizabeth II, the Queen of Australia, approved the appointment.

During her time at Government House, Brisbane, Bryce was seen by many as a respected leader. She worked hard to connect with people across Queensland, especially in regional and remote areas. In January 2008, it was announced that her five-year term would be extended. However, this extension did not happen because she was chosen for an even bigger role. On 29 July 2008, Penelope Wensley became the new Governor of Queensland.

Governor-General of Australia

Bryce after an interview at Regatta Point at the Australia Day ceremony in Canberra on 26 January 2010

Former Australia Prime Minister Julia Gillard with Quentin Bryce, former Governor-General of Australia.

On 13 April 2008, it was announced that Quentin Bryce would become the next Governor-General of Australia. The Prime Minister at the time, Kevin Rudd, recommended her for the position, and Queen Elizabeth II approved it. This decision was generally well-received by many people.

Quentin Bryce was sworn in as Governor-General on 5 September 2008. Her term was later extended to March 2014. During her time in office, she served as the Patron of Girl Guides Australia.

In October 2013, Bill Shorten became the leader of the Labor Party. Because Bryce's daughter, Chloe, is married to Bill Shorten, Bryce offered to resign. She did this to avoid any idea that she might be biased. However, the Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, asked her to stay and finish her term. He said she provided stability during a time of political change.

Public Discussions and the Role of Governor-General

In November 2013, Quentin Bryce gave a speech where she shared her personal thoughts on some important topics. She spoke about wanting an Australia where "people are free to love and marry whom they choose." She also mentioned that one day, a young Australian might become the nation's first head of state, suggesting a future where Australia might become a republic.

These comments led to public discussion. Some people felt that as the Queen's representative, the Governor-General should not express personal views on political matters. However, the Prime Minister at the time, Tony Abbott, supported her right to share her personal opinions as her term was nearing its end.

Supporting Charities and Community

Quentin Bryce is a strong supporter of Girls from Oz. This charity helps girls in remote Australian communities get access to performing arts education. Since 2007, Bryce has supported the charity through donations and by visiting the communities where they work. She has also hosted sleepovers for girls from Halls Creek at Admiralty House, a special residence for the Governor-General.

Bryce has also been a patron for both Girl Guides Queensland and Girl Guides Australia, showing her long-standing commitment to youth development.

Honours and Awards

Viceregal styles of Quentin Bryce (2008–2014)

Reference style	Her Excellency the Honourable
Spoken style	Your Excellency

Quentin Bryce has received many honours for her service to Australia:

	Dame of the Order of Australia (AD)	19 March 2014
	Companion of the Order of Australia (AC)	30 April 2003
	Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)	26 January 1988 "In recognition of service to the community, particularly to women and children".
	Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO)	26 October 2011 by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II during her Royal Visit.
	Dame of Grace of The Most Venerable Order of The Hospital of St John of Jerusalem	November 2003
	Australian Sports Medal	5 December 2000 "For Services to Women's Cricket".
	Centenary Medal	1 January 2001 "For service to Australian society in business leadership".
	Commemorative Medal for the 30th Anniversary of Vanuatu	30 July 2010
	Grand Cross of the Royal Order of the Crown	October 2010 Invested by His Majesty, King George Tupou V, King of Tonga.