Millicent Preston-Stanley First Women Parliamentarian

Millicent Preston-Stanley (1883–1955) was an Australian politician and the first-ever female member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly.  In 1925 she became the second woman to enter government in Australia.  A keen feminist, she was involved in a wide array of women’s groups and issues and was President of the Feminist Club from 1919-1934 and 1952-1955.  She was a fervent supporter of the United Australia Party, a precursor to the Liberal Party.  Once heckled as ‘a battle-axe’ she responded: ‘A battle axe is a pretty useful weapon if it’s kept sharp and bright.