AO

Born

3 August 1921
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Occupation

Parliamentarian

Alternative Names

• Liles, Gloria Joan (maiden name)

Website

http://parlinfoweb.aph.gov.au/piweb/view_document.aspx?id=7998&table=BIOGS

Summary

Joan Child was the first female member of the Australian Labor Party to be elected to the federal Parliament as Member for the seat of Henty in 1974. She lost her seat in the 1975 general election, but regained it in 1980. She became the first female Speaker of the House of Representatives in 1986, holding the position until she resigned in 1989. She retired from parliament in 1990 when the seat of Henty was abolished in an electoral redistribution. She was appointed Officer of the Order of Australia in June 1990.