Statement from the Leader of the Opposition
I was deeply saddened to learn that Sue Napier passed away this morning.
On behalf of my Liberal colleagues, I extend my deepest sympathies to Mrs Napier’s family. This is terrible news for Mrs Napier’s family, the Liberal Party and for Tasmania.
Sue was first elected to the Tasmanian Parliament in the seat of Bass in 1992, and served her community with passion and dedication for 18 years.
Her integrity, determination and steadfast commitment to improving the lives of Tasmanians was unflinching.
During her time as a Member of Parliament, Sue was a pioneer, a trail-blazer and one of the most remarkable women ever to serve the Tasmanian community.
There were many firsts in Sue’s career. She was the first female Liberal to become a Minister. She was the first female Deputy Premier, and the first female Leader of the Opposition.
Sue served with distinction, tenacity and passion as a Minister in the portfolios of Transport; Works; Status of Women; Youth Affairs; TT-Line; Arts, Sport and Recreation; and, of course, Education and Training under the Groom and Rundle Liberal Governments of the 1990s.
Sue was a champion of individual rights and freedoms and her strong sense of social justice saw her lead the charge on a number of important social reforms in this State. Sue was renowned for fighting hard on issues she believed in, she was not one to give up, and her record shows that she got results.
The Napier family has experienced an extremely difficult year and our thoughts and prayers are with them.
Sue will be dearly missed, not only by her family, the community she represented and her Liberal colleagues and friends, but also by many across the political spectrum.
Michael,
Trail-blazer is a most appropriate description! As you rightly point out, hers was a life full of achievement. Sue understood the community and the issues that mattered most to them. She was a highly effective political advocate and a genuine, caring human being. We are the poorer for her passing. Rest in peace Sue.
I just saw an article about Sue’s passing! What a great lady and I am sure she will be missed by the Tasmanian community!
A great Tasmanian passes
And just 62 – she was so young…
I once told Sue that one of my greatest ambitions as a member of Tasmania’s Parliament was to emulate her commitment to the job.
I’ll always remember one thing about Sue – her amazing positive attitude, which irrespective of what the issue was or how she was feeling at the time she had this lovely glimmer in her eye and often a wicked grin as well.
She had a wonderful sense of humour and she could see the good in other people and that’s a rare thing in politics.
Her passions were for community, education, disability and tackling disadvantage.
Rest in Peace.