SENATOR THE HON PENNY WONG
LEADER OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE SENATE
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
It is with the deepest sadness that Labor senators mourn the death of our colleague and friend, Senator for Victoria, Linda White.
Linda fought the illness that has now claimed her life privately, but with all the tenacity and determination that has marked not just her short time in the Senate, but her decades of commitment to the labour movement and Australian workers.
Linda arrived in the Senate following the 2022 election, modelling integrity, persistence and skill, underpinned by her values and commitment to social and economic justice.
Before the Senate, Linda had a substantial career as a lawyer and trade union official, culminating in her role as Assistant National Secretary of the Australian Services Union from 1995 to 2020, representing workers across local government, energy, transport, and social and community services. She also served as Vice-President of the ACTU for ten years.
The esteem in which she was regarded in the wider community is demonstrated by the board appointments she held prior to election as a senator, from labour causes to the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria and the Melbourne Cricket Ground Trust.
As a senator, Linda’s legal expertise saw her steer the critical Joint Select Committee on National Anti-Corruption Commission Legislation as its chair and, following its establishment, the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
In addition to wide ranging policy work on a number of committees, Linda chaired the Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Delegated Legislation that is an important check on executive power and is trusted across the Parliament.
Linda was a champion of affirmative action rules changes which have led to Labor being the first government with a majority of women parliamentarians.
I always valued Linda’s wise counsel. She was a loyal friend and colleague. And I was always in awe of her fearlessness and forensic analytical skills, which she applied in pursuit of strong convictions all the while charming people with her quick, sharp wit.
In spite of all she achieved, Linda had so much more to contribute.
My thoughts today are especially with Linda’s family, her staff, and all of her comrades at the Australian Services Union.
I anticipate the Senate will schedule a condolence motion for a future sitting day to ensure Linda’s contribution can be appropriately recognised by her colleagues across the chamber.
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Authorised by Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australia.
