Public artwork to celebrate the Hon Susan Ryan AO

The Federal Parliament has approved the installation of a sculpture to honour the late Senator Susan Ryan AO FAICD within the Parliamentary Zone.

Senator Ryan (1942-2020), dedicated her life to public service through many different roles, both in public office as a Senator in the ACT and as a Minister in the Hawke Government, along with senior roles across the private and public sectors.

She was the first Senator for the Australian Capital Territory, Australia’s first Age Discrimination Commissioner, and the first woman appointed to a Federal Labor frontbench position.

Commissioned by the ACT Government, the life-size bronze sculpture of Susan Ryan will be adjacent to the Senate Rose Gardens eastern central entry, in proximity to where she once had an office in Old Parliament House.

The work will be in a purpose-designed setting featuring a curved bench seat, new paving, and interpretive signage.

Artist Lis Johnson, who has completed numerous life-size bronze sculptures, including of Dame Enid Lyons and Dame Dorothy Tangney who stand adjacent to Old Parliament House and Sir John Gorton (with Suzie Q) in Parkes, has been collaborating closely with Susan Ryan's family, ensuring their engagement at every stage of the development of the work.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher:

“Forty years on from Susan Ryan’s historic introduction of the Sex Discrimination Act, we live in an Australia that is fairer because of her.

“I look forward to Susan’s memory being shared with generations to come – particularly with young school kids who will learn of her legacy when they come to Canberra and tour the gardens here in Parliamentary Triangle.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Territories, the Hon Kristy McBain MP:

“The Parliamentary Zone isn’t just where present-day politicians work, it’s a place where we recognise and celebrate the significant contributions that leaders before us have made in shaping a better future for our nation.

“Susan Ryan was an absolute changemaker in politics – particularly for women, and through this statue, future leaders from across Australia will be able to flock to Canberra and fully immerse themselves in the huge role she played.”

Quotes attributable to the ACT Minister for the Arts, Ms Tara Cheyne MLA:

“The ACT Government welcomes the support from both Houses of Federal Parliament to locate the sculpture of Susan Ryan within the Parliamentary Zone – a place that holds so much connection to Susan and her family.

“This work is a well-deserved tribute to Susan Ryan, a trailblazer whose achievements serve as a beacon, inspiring others to pursue careers in public service.

“The sculpture of Susan Ryan not only enhances the representation of women in Canberra but also pays tribute to Senator Ryan's significant contributions to Australia and her advancement of women’s rights.”

Quotes attributable Justine Butler, daughter of Susan Ryan:

“We are so thrilled that the sculpture of our mother Susan Ryan will be located in the Senate Rose Gardens at the Old Parliament House.

“For my brother Ben and I, this was the parliament house. We spent a lot of time there, with our mother, and we have happy memories of those gardens, so close to her office.

“My mother and her colleagues played social tennis games there in the summer, and all year round, the beautiful gardens provided an important place for Susan to think and work.”