Tributes flow to first female Tasmanian Cabinet minister Labor MP Gill James

Long serving Labor MP Gill James is being remembered as a friend, mentor and tireless worker for veterans. Read the tributes to the political “trailblazer”.

The late Colleen O'Byrne, Gill James and former Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

The first female Cabinet minister in Tasmania is being remembered as a “trailblazer, amazing human” and “guardian angel” for veterans.

Gill James, 90, was first elected as a Labor member for Bass in the House of Assembly in 1976, became a Cabinet minister in 1980 before being defeated in 1989 but was re-elected in 1992 and retired 10 years later.

Friend and Speaker of the House of Assembly, Michelle O’Byrne, described her as a “trailblazer, friend and mentor” who she visited just weeks before she died last Saturday.

“She was fading but had lost none of her fire and was delighted with the outcome of the federal election,” she said in a tribute.

“Gill was our first woman Presiding Officer in Tasmania (Deputy Speaker) and Tasmania’s first ever woman Minister.

Tasmania's first Cabinet Minister the late Gill James.

“She was a fierce advocate for veterans and their families.

“She was glorious in her younger days – driving around Launceston in her sports car and travelling the world with the Deputy PM.

“And she remained glorious in her later days – defending and advocating for those who needed her. A fabulous story teller and an amazing human.”

Ms O’Byrne said Ms James was the longest serving female member of the House of Assembly since women won the right to stand for Parliament in Tasmania in 1921.

Former Speaker Michael Polley said Ms James worked tirelessly all her life to help others.

“When she became a Cabinet minister she was one of only a handful of women ministers at the time in Australia,” he said.

“All her life she worked tirelessly for returned service men and women, she was their guardian angel.

“She could hold her own with anyone in the parliament.”

Before her election, Ms James worked for Senate President Justin O’Byrne and Deputy Prime Minister Lance Barnard.

Speaker of the House of Assembly Michelle O'Byrne with Tasmania's first female cabinet minister the late Gill James.

Liberal Bass MP Michael Ferguson described Ms James as a “dear friend”.

“Despite our political differences, I can’t remember us ever having a difference,” he said.

“Our mutual love for the members at the Good Neighbour Council and enjoyment of the Friday get-togethers served as a wonderful place to get to know each other so well and over 20 years the mutual respect ran deep.

“The Labor Party has lost a true, old school, advocate for workers and veterans. Definitely a quiet achiever.”

Ms James was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1990 for her services to the community, particularly veterans.

Her funeral will be in Launceston on Friday.