Tom French (Moore, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to recognise Pam Beggs, local legend, Labor stalwart and a woman whose service shaped Perth's north. Pam served in the WA parliament from 1983 to 1993 as the member for Whitford. Among the first women in the WA Labor ministry, she held key portfolios, including Tourism, Housing and Transport. As housing minister, she worked with Homeswest to expand affordable homes for young families across the north. Today, Labor builds on that legacy with our new policy helping first homebuyers secure a property with a five per cent deposit. Later, as transport minister, she championed the northern rail and, in 1992, rode the first train to Joondalup, a milestone that has set up the growth in our electorate.

Her commitment did not stop at the chamber door. As the president of the Whitford Senior Citizens' Club and through many other groups, Pam keeps showing up. Earlier this month, the City of Joondalup recognised her as an honorary freeman, acknowledgement of her decades of service. Pam's tireless energy has powered Labor campaigns federally and in WA. Pam was there for my campaign in Moore and on state campaigns in Hillarys, at prepoll, on the phones, rallying volunteers and offering the steady counsel only a former MP can provide. Pam, on behalf of a grateful community: thank you.