Margaret Whitlam never held elected office. But she was instrumental in defining a model of public service for modern Labor women.

Short remarks made at Friday's Margaret Whitlam Dinner. Thanks to Jo Schofield for her insights and assistance.

Tonight is a night to remember and celebrate the life of Margaret Whitlam.

Margaret is part of the identity of modern Labor.

She did not seek high office, accolades or recognition – but her contribution paralleled that of her formidable spouse.

She made this country a better, fairer, more equal place.  She changed it, and she did it quietly and tenaciously, with wit and generosity.

By all accounts, she was not one to hold back. But she was also gracious and unpretentious.

Margaret once said “My main decoration is, I suppose, my conversation.”

A generation of women have her to thank for her commitment to our rights, and for giving women permission to be their most intelligent selves. 

When Margaret and Gough received life membership at our National Conference in 2007, Gough said:

“Men and women of Australia’s oldest and greatest party, I appreciate this honour all the more because of my co-recipient. Margaret has been the partner of my life and work for 65 years this week.”

“No limits”, he said, “need be set on the positions and honours which might have come her way”.

Margaret Whitlam never held elected office. But she was instrumental in defining a model of public service for modern Labor women.

Tonight is about that legacy.