We have uploaded the latest chapter in the history of Ann’s political career: The Making of a Not-so-Accidental Politician. Based on interviews, documents and Ann’s extensive archive, Hilary Golder explores Ann’s path into the New South Wales Parliament. A key issue was affordable child care, the 1970s campaign which lifted Ann’s profile in the Labor Party. It makes fascinating reading given the current debates about child care.
Dr Golder has embarked on the next chapter about Ann’s campaigns for women prisoners and the children of prisoners. Ann continued to fight for the rights of women and children within the criminal justice system throughout her career as a member of the Legislative Council and after her retirement, right up until her death in 2018. It was a cause about which she was particularly passionate.
POSC’s work on Ann’s career in politics involves not only Dr Golder’s research and writing, but also a major undertaking to manage Ann’s archives. Dr Golder and archivist Gabrielle Hyslop have been sorting the 97 boxes of papers from Ann’s office in the NSW Parliament. A selection of her records were kept in the Parliamentary Archives but the material in the 97 boxes was not required for that collection. Once the documents have undergone archival appraisal, arrangement and description, they will form an invaluable resource for future researchers.
We welcome your feedback about our website and the chapters recounting Ann’s political life. If you would like to contribute to Ann’s story, please contact us by email: info@politicsofsocialchange.org.au.
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