Jennifer Cashmore, Liberal Party trailblazer and Governor Frances Adamson’s mother, dies aged 86

The state’s political ranks have been rocked by the loss of another trailblazer, remembered as a courageous voice for women and a bold leader.

Political pioneer Jennifer Cashmore has died aged 86. Picture: Campbell Brodie

A leading South Australian political pioneer – who spent 12 of her 17 years in parliament as the only woman representing her party – has died aged 86.

Jennifer Cashmore passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, leaving behind her three high-flying children, including Governor Frances Adamson, and an “indelible mark” on the state.

Ms Adamson led tributes for her mother, remembering her as a remarkable woman, courageous trailblazer and lifelong campaigner for women’s equality.

Often dubbed ‘Green Conscience’ of the Liberal Party, Ms Cashmore was a vocal advocate for environmental protection and renewable energy and once threatened to stand in front of bulldozers to oppose development at Wilpena Pound.

As Shadow Treasurer, she was the first to sound the alarm in parliament about the lending practices and financial viability of the State Bank — which suffered a catastrophic crash two years later.

When elected Member for Coles (now Morialta) in 1977, Ms Cashmore was just the third woman to sit in the House of Assembly.

In 1979, she became the second woman appointed to state cabinet and served as Minister for Health and Minister for Tourism in the Tonkin Liberal government.

Jennifer Cashmore holding a koala at the launch of the tourist booklet ‘Peninsula Way’ in 1979.

Ms Cashmore has been remembered as a pioneer for women in politics. Picture: Bryan Charlton

She played a key role in developing the Consent to Medical Treatment and Palliative Care Act 1995 and dedicated much of her post-parliamentary life to supporting the cause of palliative care.

In a statement from Government House, Ms Adamson said her mother had instilled in her and her siblings – NSW Supreme Court Justice Christine Adamson and Reverend Stuart Adamson – a strong sense of service.

A Governor’s Deputy will be appointed as Ms Adamson adjusts her program of engagements in the wake of her mother’s death.

Ms Cashmore was awarded the Order of Australia in 1998, six years after an unsuccessful Liberal Party leadership tilt led to her resignation from politics in 1993.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said history would judge Ms Cashmore’s political record and deeply held commitment to liberal principles favourably.

“As far back as the early nineties she was advocating for our state to take advantage of its natural advantages and explore the development of a solar-powered hydrogen economy,” Mr Malinauskas said.

“She made headlines in 1988 after announcing that she’d cross the floor to support a ban on tobacco advertising.

“Her courage cannot be understated.”

Former SA Liberal politician Jennifer Cashmore.

As recently as April this year, Ms Cashmore remained in public life — attending the rally on the steps of Parliament House in opposition to the proposed restructure of the South Australian Museum.

Deputy opposition leader John Gardner heralded not just Ms Cashmore’s deft handling of political issues during her time in parliament, but her world-leading reform work in palliative care.

Mr Gardner said her influence was still felt deeply within the current parliamentary team.

“Her attendance was applauded loudly by the thousand South Australians in attendance, welcoming her back to Parliament House for the first time in more than a decade.

“To her friends and family, Jennifer Cashmore will be keenly missed. To our state, she leaves a trailblazing legacy of achievement and service,” he said.

The 86-year-old’s death is the second to rock the state’s political ranks on Monday, after former premier Steele Hall passed away aged 95.