Dean Smith (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Tonight I rise to congratulate Cheryl Edwardes AM on being conferred the honour of Freeman of the City of Joondalup. Cheryl's contribution to Western Australia has been nothing short of remarkable. First elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1989 as the Liberal member for Kingsley, she was immediately promoted to the front bench as shadow minister for education, a sign of the confidence placed in her from the very beginning.

Over the course of her parliamentary career, Cheryl remained a senior frontbencher, and in 1993 she made history as the first woman to serve as Attorney-General anywhere in Australia. She went on to hold portfolios as Minister for Family and Children's Services and later as Minister for the Environment, becoming the longest-serving woman in cabinet in Western Australia's history. Her leadership was instrumental in shaping Perth's northern suburbs during a time of extraordinary growth. Cheryl has become a role model for women entering public life, and that remains the case today.

After retiring from parliament in 2005, Cheryl continued to serve Western Australia with the same professionalism and dedication that marked her time in government. She returned to private legal practice before taking on significant roles in the mining sector, where her expertise has been widely valued. She has sat on the Foreign Investment Review Board, and in 2016 she became only the third woman to serve as commissioner and then deputy chair of the WA Football Commission.

Cheryl's distinguished service has also been recognised nationally. In 2016 she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for her significant contribution to the people and parliament of Western Australia. This year she was further honoured as an Officer of the Order of Australia 'for distinguished service to the law and social justice, to resource management and environmental sustainability, to business, and to the community'.

Now, quite rightly, the City of Joondalup has recognised Cheryl Edwardes as a trailblazer, a leader and a champion for her community. The honour of Freeman is richly deserved, and as Liberals we are proud to see one of our own recognised in this important and significant way. Congratulations to Cheryl and also to her family, who have supported her in her very distinguished journey thus far.

Tonight I acknowledge the 10th anniversary of the Organisation of African Communities in my home state of Western Australia—as it's affectionately known, the OAC—a group that has become a cornerstone for African Australians in my home state of WA. Earlier this month, I was pleased to join president Dr Casty and past president Joe Tuazama for the launch of OACWA's strategic plan for 2025-2030, entitled Empowering communities, building unity, shaping the future. This plan sets out a clear vision for the next five years, addressing the real challenges faced by African families arriving in Western Australia, navigating new systems, language, supporting their children and holding on to culture and traditions. The plan does not shy away from the complexity of these challenges and recognises the needs of young African people, African women, African professionals, families, people living with disability and those experiencing domestic violence.

It also outlines a bold ambition: the creation of a dedicated African centre in Perth, similar to those across the country. Of course, an African centre would provide education, youth programs, disability support and essential community services. Already, OAC is making a genuine difference through initiatives like the Mentor Me ReConnect program at Ellenbrook and Aveley secondary colleges, helping young people build confidence and succeed in their studies. Of course, as always, more mentors are needed. I encourage anyone with the time and interest to get involved.

Over the past decade, OACWA has provided vital support to newcomers whilst also creating opportunities for cultural celebration and dialogue. In doing so, it has enriched communities and strengthened the social fabric of Western Australia as a whole. I congratulate the OACWA on this milestone. I commend its leadership past, present and future for their vision and wish them every success as they continue to shape and be involved in building a stronger, inclusive future for African Australians in Western Australia.

Senate adjourned at 20:15