HON LYLA DAPHNE ELLIOTT - Condolence Motion

HON SUE ELLERY (South Metropolitan — Leader of the House) [ 1.01 pm ] — without notice: I move —

That this house expresses its deep regret at the death of Hon Lyla Elliott, a former member of the Legislative Council for the North East Metropolitan Province, and places on record its appreciation for her long public service, and tenders its profound sympathy to members of her family in their bereavement.

[speeches and comments of various members]

HON ALISON XAMON (North Metropolitan) [ 1.36 pm ]: I rise on behalf of the Greens to indicate our support for the motion recognising the life of Hon Lyla Elliott. I draw the attention of members to the fact that on entering this chamber from the President’s corridor, members can see a photo of Hon Lyla Elliott. I have noted this every time I have walked past for many years because Hon Lyla Elliott is surrounded by the photos of many men’s faces. So it is with great pleasure that I am happy to stand in this place and reflect on her life.

Hon Lyla Elliott was clearly an incredibly hard worker and displayed substantial fortitude. Her service to the Labor Party in particular is notable. Hon Lyla Elliott became a Labor Party member in 1955 and played instrumental roles in the party for the rest of her life. She was the second woman ever to be elected to the Legislative Council. When she was first elected in 1971, she was the only female member in the entire Parliament until 1974 when June Craig was elected to the Legislative Assembly. I agree with the comments made previously that being the only female parliamentarian in this entire place would have been a particularly interesting experience.

During her time in Parliament, she was the Deputy Chairman of Committees from 1974 to 1977 and 1983 to 1986, and a member of several parliamentary committees including the Honorary Royal Commission Appointed to Inquire into and Report upon the Treatment of Alcohol and Drug Dependents and the Select Committee on Sport and Recreational Activities in Western Australia. Of course, she was also the chairperson of the Parliamentary Labor Party. When researching and reflecting on Hon Lyla Elliott’s many accomplishments, I cannot help but feel a certain affinity with many of her views and priorities. As has already been mentioned, much of what she stood for is still very relevant today. In particular, I note her advocacy for electoral reform, a more democratic system for greater transparency in government, the rights of working people, equal opportunity, family planning legislation, a better deal for people with disabilities and improved care for the aged and also mental health patients. I note that this was at a time when a lot of people were not really thinking about the issues concerning people with mental health problems.

I note that Lyla was also a fierce opponent, as I am, of nuclear technology and called for the rapid research into and support for the use of non - polluting renewable energy resources.

After an impressive 15 years in the Legislative Council, Lyla chose to retire from politics and did not contest the 1986 election. I note that that was much to the disappointment of many people. Her retirement from politics, however, as has been said, did not signal a retirement from service to the community. Lyla Elliott was named chairperson of a number of government bodies, including the Home and Community Care Advisory Committee, the Consultative Committee on Residential Child Care, the TAFE Performance Appraisal Panel and the Department of Employment, Vocational Education and Training Promotion by Merit Board of Review. Lyla Elliott was a member of many women’s organisations. She became a life member of the Midland Women’s Health Care Place board of management and the Lyla Elliott Family Day Care Scheme. I note that she also studied history at Edith Cowan University, became active in many historical organisations and authored publications on the history of the Perth hills.

Hon Lyla Elliott dedicated her life to service. Her contribution to public life across many areas is noteworthy. Western Australia has benefited enormously from the life of Lyla and we are a better state because of her contributions. I extend my sincere condolences to those members of the ALP who knew her and who were inspired by her and who miss her, and also my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Hon Lyla Elliott, who must miss her deeply.

 

Parliamentary Type: