Dame Margaret Guilfoyle AC DBE

Dame Margaret Guilfoyle made history in Australian politics when she became the Minister of Education (1975) and Social Security (1975-80) in the Fraser Government in 1975. In those positions, and as Minister assisting the Prime Minister in Child Care Matters and later as Minister for Finance, 1980-83, she led many reforms - in particular for women. As Minister assisting in Child Care, she played a major role in ensuring that child care remained a priority in the Liberal Government, especially long-day care.

Margaret was highly respected in the community, and especially by women, for her fine example of how women can achieve in Australian politics and her leadership in areas as far-reaching as Deputy Chair since 1996 of the Victorian Infertility Treatment Authority, the Mental Health Research Institute 1988, her involvement in University Council and Committees and as President of the Board of Management of Royal Melbourne Hospital 1993-95, member and Chair of the Australian Institute of Family Studies and the National Treasurer of the YWCA, 1968-76.

She played a major role in encouraging the Liberal Party to pre-select more women as candidates for parliament and was seen as a mentor by many. Margaret continued to be active on a range of national committees and in encouraging more Australian women to nominate and be accepted for the Orders of Australia.