- Inducted:
- 2001
- Category:
- Honour Roll
Janet Powell was born in Nhill, Victoria in 1942, and trained as a secondary school teacher.
Dedication has been a constant in her life, whether in her role as a senator, mother or as President of YWCA Victoria. Janet was the Federal Parliamentary Leader of the Australian Democrats 1990-91. She served as Temporary Chair of Committees and Acting Deputy President of The Senate 1987-89, including Committee of Privileges, Scrutiny of Bills Committee, Legal and Constitutional Committee, Transport and Communication Committee and various select committees. Janet was the first woman to attain passage through both Houses of a Private Member's Bill.
The Bill banned the print advertising of tobacco products. Passed in 1989, it was only the thirteenth Private Member's Bill since Federation Her political activity includes State President and National Deputy President of the Australian Democrats 1984-86.
She was a community and parent representative on various education and youth-related councils and committees in the Northern Region of Victoria 1974-86. Janet was also President of the Friends of the ABC, Director of the Anti-Gun lobby, and past President of the YWCA, Victoria 1994-2000. She was Deputy Chair, National Multicultural Advisory Council (advising the Prime Minister through the Office of Multicultural Affairs), 1993-96.
When women needed action, Janet was always there.
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