Senator Ryan Addresses the Rally
Artist
Lis Johnson
Medium
Bronze
District
South Canberra
Commissioned
2024, artsACT
The inspiration for this portrayal of Susan Ryan, a most fulfilling commission for me personally, was a 1977 women’s work rights rally image where she stands confidently addressing the gathering. Her appearance and hairstyle are slightly later, early 1980s. One hand on hip, the pose shows strength and determination. The other hand is open, conciliatory, appealing. A petite woman with a big presence, Susan is a great role model. She said, ‘Do the work and get respect for it… Don’t expect favours. Do demand respect.’
Lis Johnson, August 2024
Susan Ryan AO (1942-2020) was a Senator from 1975 until 1988. In 1975 she became the first female Senator for the ACT, in 1977 the first woman in Labor’s shadow cabinet, and in 1983 the first woman in a federal Labor Cabinet.
A founding member of the Women’s Electoral Lobby, Susan Ryan campaigned and was elected in 1975 with the slogan, ‘A woman’s place is in the Senate’.
Following Labor’s 1983 electoral victory, Susan Ryan was appointed Minister for Education and Youth Affairs, and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Status of Women.
Best known for the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 and accompanying Affirmative Action Act 1986, Susan Ryan introduced world leading legislation to prevent discrimination based on sex, marital status, or pregnancy, to guard against harassment and to dismantle barriers in the workplace.
After Parliament, she worked in publishing, superannuation, education, and the republican movement.
In 1990, Susan Ryan was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for services to the Australian Parliament. In 2011 she became the first Age Discrimination Commissioner, and later was also appointed Disability Discrimination Commissioner.
Lis Johnson
Senator Ryan Addresses the Rally, 2024
Cast Bronze
Senate Rose Garden, Old Parliament House, Parkes
This sculpture was unveiled by Tara Cheyne MLA, Minister for the Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy on 1 August 2024, the 40th anniversary of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Comm).