EMILY's List Australia warmly and proudly acknowledges the extraordinary contribution of the Hon. Michelle O'Byrne MP, following her announcement that she will not recontest her seat at the next Tasmanian state election.
Michelle's 27 years of public service—spanning both the federal and Tasmanian parliaments—have been defined by fearless advocacy, transformative reform, and deep feminist conviction. As one of EMILY's List's longest-standing members, Michelle has been a trailblazer for women's rights and gender equality across Australia.
First elected to the House of Representatives in 1998, Michelle went on to serve as the Member for Bass in the Tasmanian Parliament from 2006 to the present, holding major ministerial portfolios including Health, Education, Women, and Sport. At every turn, she has used her platform to elevate issues that matter deeply to women and families—driving progressive change with courage, care, and purpose.
Among Michelle's most impactful contributions:
Decriminalising abortion in Tasmania (2013): A historic reform she introduced and delivered, ensuring Tasmanian women have the right to safe, legal reproductive healthcare.
Establishing safe access zones around clinics to protect the safety and dignity of women and healthcare workers.
Driving significant reforms to address family violence, including strengthening protections for survivors and resourcing frontline support services.
Promoting gender equality in public policy, including equal pay, leadership representation, and workplace rights for women.
Michelle has also been a mentor and inspiration to generations of Labor women. Her commitment to lifting others as she led has been a defining feature of her political life and a cherished part of her role within the EMILY's List community.
In paying tribute, EMILY's List Australia CEO Pamela Anderson said:
"Michelle O'Byrne has been a force for feminist change in Australia for nearly three decades. Her leadership in securing reproductive rights and standing up for women's safety has changed the landscape of Tasmanian politics—and saved lives. She exemplifies the best of EMILY's List values: courage, compassion, and commitment to equity. We thank her deeply and honour her legacy."
Michelle O'Byrne will continue to serve the people of Bass until the next election. While she steps back from formal politics, her voice and influence will continue to shape the future of women's rights and progressive leadership in Australia.
From all of us at EMILY's List Australia: thank you, Michelle. Your legacy will live on—in legislation, in leadership, and in the generations of women you've empowered.
