Follett, Rosemary (1948 - )

Rosemary Follett was the first woman to lead an Australian state or territory government. She became the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT's) first chief minister in 1989 and was chief minister again from 1991 to 1995.

She has been the ACT Discrimination Commissioner since 1996.

Rosemary Follett came to Canberra in 1952 and was educated at the former Catholic Girls High School (now Merici College, where a wing is named after her).

After school she joined the public service, but had to resign after marrying, as was the rule of the day. She then studied stenography and spent the next decade as a secretary to politicians from all parties.

The sacking of Gough Whitlam sparked her political activity and she joined the Ginninderra branch of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) in 1975, becoming its president from 1983 to 1984. She graduated as a mature-age student with a Bachelor of Arts, Administration, from the then Canberra College of Advanced Education and rejoined the public service where she became a highly active workplace delegate with the Administrative and Clerical Officers Association.

In 1984 she was elected women's co-ordinator for the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) branch of the ALP and this gave her experience in the women’s policy committee and the feminist caucus. From 1985 to 1986 she was a member of the ACT House of Assembly, and by 1987 was elected ALP ACT Branch president.

Follett became the first chief minister in 1989 and was chief minister again from 1991 to 1995. She was also the first woman to lead an Australian state or territory government. She was member for Molonglo from 1995 to 1996 and Labor leader from 1989 to 1991.

Her portfolio responsibilities included Social Justice, Treasury and Public Service, Attorney-General, Law Reform, Consumer Affairs, Police and Emergency Services.

Follett described herself as belonging to the Left faction of the ALP and came to power with a platform of open accountable government, social justice and a policy that half of all positions on government advisory boards and committees should be filled by women.

While in government Follett lived in a modest ex-government house. She also refused the chauffeur-driven large car that came with the top job and drove herself around in a Ford Laser.

In 1990 a Canberra Times – Datacol opinion poll put her popularity at a high 73 per cent.

She led a trade mission to Japan and was instrumental in bringing about the ACT's sister-city relationship with Nara.

She was a member of the Milk Authority of the ACT 1996 and is a member of the Canberra Labor Club, Canberra Tradesmen's Club and the Fabian Society.

Since losing power as head of the ACT ALP in 1996 she has been the ACT Discrimination Commissioner.

Events

1983 - 1984

President of the Australian Labor Party, Ginninderra Branch

Related Corporate Bodies

• ACT Women's Consultative Council (1989 - 2001)

  Rosemary Follett established the ACT Women's Consultative Council in 1989

Related Exhibitions

• Women in the making of Canberra

See also

• Who's Who in Australia 2004, 40 edn, Crown Content, North Melbourne, 2004. [ Details... ]