Susan Ryan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Susan Ryan
AO FAICD
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Ryan in 2015
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| Age Discrimination Commissioner | |
| In office 30 July 2011 – 29 July 2016 |
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| Appointed by | Julia Gillard |
| Preceded by | Elizabeth Broderick |
| Succeeded by | Kay Patterson |
| Special Minister of State | |
| In office 24 July 1987 – 19 January 1988 |
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| Prime Minister | Bob Hawke |
| Preceded by | Michael Tate |
| Succeeded by | Frank Walker |
| Minister for Education | |
| In office 11 March 1983 – 24 July 1987 |
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| Prime Minister | Bob Hawke |
| Preceded by | Peter Baume |
| Succeeded by | John Dawkins |
| Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Status of Women | |
| In office 11 March 1983 – 19 January 1988 |
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| Prime Minister | Bob Hawke |
| Preceded by | Office Created |
| Succeeded by | Margaret Reynolds |
| Senator for the Australian Capital Territory | |
| In office 13 December 1975 – 29 January 1988 |
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| Preceded by | Seat Created |
| Succeeded by | Bob McMullan |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Susan Maree Ryan
10 October 1942 Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia |
| Died | 27 September 2020 (aged 77) Randwick, New South Wales, Australia |
| Political party | Labor |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | University of Sydney, Australian National University |
| Profession | Educator |
Susan Maree Ryan (10 October 1942 – 27 September 2020) was an important Australian politician and public servant. She was a member of the Australian Labor Party (ALP). Susan Ryan was the first woman from the ALP to be part of the Cabinet, which is a group of senior government ministers.
She served as a senator for the Australian Capital Territory from 1975 to 1987. In the Hawke Government, she held several key roles. These included Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Status of Women and Minister for Education. She played a big part in creating important laws like the Sex Discrimination Act 1984. After leaving politics, she continued to work for human rights. She was the Age Discrimination Commissioner from 2011 to 2016.
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Early Life and Education
Susan Ryan was born on 10 October 1942 in Camperdown, New South Wales. Her mother was a sales assistant and her father worked for the government. She grew up in Maroubra and went to Brigidine Convent school.
In 1960, she started studying at the Sydney Teachers' College. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1963. That same year, she married Richard Butler.
Becoming an Educator
Susan Ryan worked as a schoolteacher after graduating. In 1964, her first child was born. She then ran a small business from her home. In 1965, her family moved to Canberra for her husband's job.
She continued her studies at the Australian National University (ANU). In 1966, they moved to Austria for a few years. When they returned, Susan resumed her studies at ANU. She also taught part-time at the Canberra College of Advanced Education. Her marriage ended, and she divorced in 1972.
In 1973, Susan Ryan earned a Master of Arts degree from ANU. She then became a national executive officer for the Australian Council of State School Organisations. She was also a founding member of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) branch in Belconnen. She also helped start the Women's Electoral Lobby.
Political Career and Achievements
Susan Ryan began her political journey in 1974. She was appointed to the Australian Capital Territory Advisory Council. She was also elected to the Australian Capital Territory House of Assembly.
First Female Senator for ACT
In 1975, she made history by becoming one of the first two senators for the ACT. Her campaign slogan was "A woman's place is in the Senate." She was the first female senator and the first Labor senator for the ACT.
When the Hawke Labor government was elected in 1983, Susan Ryan became a minister. She was the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs. She also served as the Minister assisting the Prime Minister for the Status of Women.
Championing Equality Laws
Susan Ryan was very focused on making things fair for women. She introduced a special bill in 1981. This bill was very important for creating the Sex Discrimination Act 1984. This law made it illegal to treat people unfairly because of their gender.
She also helped create the Affirmative Action (Equal Employment Opportunity for Women) Act 1986. This law aimed to give women more equal chances in jobs. Her work also led to other laws promoting equal opportunity in government jobs. She was a founding member of the Women's Electoral Lobby in the ACT.
Susan Ryan strongly opposed bringing back fees for university education. She believed that education should be accessible to everyone. She resigned from the Senate on 29 January 1988.
Life After Politics
After leaving politics, Susan Ryan worked in various fields. She was an editor and worked in the insurance and superannuation industries. In 1998, she became one of the first pro-chancellors of the University of New South Wales. She held this position until 2011.
She also served as the president of the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees. From 2000 to 2003, she was deputy chairman of the Australian Republican Movement. This group supports Australia becoming a republic. In 1999, she wrote a book about her life in politics called Catching the Waves.
Working for Human Rights
In July 2011, Susan Ryan was appointed as Australia's first Age Discrimination Commissioner. This role involved working to prevent unfair treatment of people because of their age. She served a 5-year term in this important role. From 2014 to 2016, she also served as the Disability Discrimination Commissioner.
Awards and Recognition
Susan Ryan received many honors for her work. In June 1990, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). This is a high award for outstanding service to Australia.
She also received special honorary doctorates from several universities. These included the Australian National University and Macquarie University. In April 2018, she was given the Alumni of the Year award by the Australian National University.
Death and Legacy
Susan Ryan passed away on 27 September 2020 in Sydney. She was 77 years old. She had been in the hospital after falling ill.
Many people paid tribute to her important contributions. Former Prime Minister Paul Keating said her greatest achievement was helping more students finish high school. He noted that the high school completion rate went from 3 out of 10 to 9 out of 10 during her time as Education Minister. Prime Minister Scott Morrison called her a "ground breaker." ACT senator Katy Gallagher said Susan Ryan believed women should be in "all the places where decisions were made."
See also
- List of the first women holders of political offices in Oceania
