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History Resources - Members of Parliament

Phyllis Jean Benjamin

Phyllis Jean Benjamin

Surname: BENJAMIN

Given Names: Phyllis Jean

Title and Honours: Mrs, AO, MBE, Honourable

Qualifications:

Date and Place of Birth: 30 August 1907 - Mosman, NSW

Date of Death: 6 April 1996

 

 

 

Legislative Council: 10 May 1952

Electorate: Hobart

Party: ALP

Positions Held: Leader for Government 1968-69

Date of Departure: 22 May 1976

Reason for Departure: Retired.

Comments:

First woman in Australia to lead an Upper House. Longest term of any woman in Tasmanian Parliament. Mother-in-law of ALP Premier Bill Neilson.

Granted the right to use the title 'Honourable' for life on 12 August 1976.

Condolence motion in LC 24 April 1996.

House of Assembly Long Room Picture: 514

House of Assembly Long Room Picture Number indicates each Member's position in the photographic record.

Source: Parliament of Tasmania Members Biographical Database, Tasmanian Parliamentary Library.

Additional Reference Material:

A Handbook of Australian Government and Politics, 1890-1964 [by] Colin A. Hughes and B. D. Graham. Canberra, ANU Press, 1968. Biographical Register of the Tasmanian Parliament, 1851-1960 / Scott Bennett and Barbara Bennett. Canberra : ANU, 1980.