Changing the role
The role of the Prime Minister’s wife has changed over time. Once, she was the spokesperson for women’s issues, because there were few, if any, women elected to parliament. Now women hold their own seats and I believe it’s their role to fight campaigns. I see my position as a supporting one, not leading the charge. – Janette Howard
I never did find out what was expected of me…my solution was to do what pleased me. – Margaret Whitlam
Every woman who has filled the role of Prime Minister’s wife has had a unique personality and agenda. Although there is an expectation that a Prime Minister’s wife will fulfil certain official tasks, the undefined nature of the position has provided each woman with a level of freedom to make the role distinctly her own. Some women chose to stay in the background, quietly offering care and support. Others, through their character or actions, take the spotlight and in the process redefine the public’s perception of the role and what it should entail.
Each to her own explores a variety of ways individual women have chosen to live the role. What do you think the role of a Prime Minister’s wife should be?
Jewelled pink Magg dress
Zara Holt brought an element of fun to the role of Prime Ministerial wife. Her bright, charming and energetic personality coupled with her contemporary fashion sense—false eyelashes, plastic jewellery and lots of colour endeared her to many Australians. She was unique in that she continued her work as a successful fashion designer and business woman, running her own fashion boutique ‘Magg’ during her time in the role.
‘Eventually I became quite expert about the day-to-day things of my life, appearing to do everything expected of me, but still being able to design away in my head. I got to the point where I could go to a political meeting…laugh at the right time, clap at the right time, and I never afterwards knew one word they’d said, but I might have a couple of dresses worked out…’ – Zara Holt
Women’s World scrap book. Courtesy of Margaret Whitlam.
Women’s World scrap book
Margaret Whitlam felt that the role of Prime Minister’s wife in the 1970s was ‘mostly to be seen and not heard…rather like a child. You could be the hostess with the mostest, but that’s as far as it went. You didn’t really have opinions—or if you did you shouldn’t voice them’.
When she became Prime Ministerial wife in December 1972, she refused to play the ‘silent partner’ role. Her strong character and willingness to give her opinion saw her became a personality in her own right, as well as a sought after columnist, guest speaker and, for a short period, TV presenter.
Readers asked Margaret for advice in her column in the Women’s World magazine. These columns were cut out and put together by her daughter.
The Bible used to swear Joe and Enid Lyons in to Parliament. Courtesy of the Ainslie Family.
Bible used to swear Enid Lyons in to parliament
Enid Lyons was a full participant in nearly all aspects of her husband’s political career. Although not privy to all aspects of Cabinet, Enid said ‘Joe would often ask for my advice, and naturally, it would carry some weight with it.’ The public reaction to the part Enid played in her husband’s career was one of general acceptance—she was never painted as interfering and much of the public saw the Lyons’ as a team.
In 1943, five years after Joe’s death, Enid used her previous experience with politics to run for the seat of Darwin (now Braddon) in Tasmania. On 21 August she won the vote and became the first female member of the House of Representatives. She was re-elected in 1946 and 1949 with increased majorities, and in 1949 became the first female Cabinet member. Ill health forced her resignation in 1951, although she continued her public service for the next 20 years.
This Bible was used to swear both Joe and Enid Lyons in Parliament.
