Sarah Witty (Melbourne, Australian Labor Party) | Hansard source

I rise today to celebrate the life of Trish Crossin AM. On this day 28 years ago, Trish stood in the Senate to deliver her first speech, championing social justice, First Nations rights and the advancement of women across the nation. I only met Trish once. She shook my hand, and I knew immediately that she was a force—a force of kindness, a force of strength and a force of action. We were at a barbecue. We had a great chat, but it was what she did when no-one was watching. At the end of the event, Trish gathered up the leftovers and made sure they went to a guest who really needed them. It was a small act, but it told me everything about the person she was. Trish saw people. She noticed need, and she quietly got on with helping.

I came to know Trish especially through her daughter Amanda, who works in my office. Trish was always there in the background offering advice, sharing wisdom and helping Amanda navigate politics. In doing so she was helping me too—although, I didn't fully appreciate it at the time. It wasn't until her passing that I realised just how much she had helped me through her daughter. Through Amanda, I saw Trish's generosity, strength and compassion. Since her passing, I've heard many stories of her impact, from her work in the Northern Territory to her lifelong advocacy for community. She stood up, she showed up and she never gave up. That was Trish Crossin.

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