Mother of the Nation
A view is held, and sometimes expressed…that wives of Prime Ministers are more highly regarded and widely loved than Prime Ministers themselves, both during and after their terms of office. - Gough Whitlam
All Prime Ministerial wives have used their position to increase public awareness, raise funds and support a wide range of important national and social causes. They are often perceived as a bridge between the powerful and powerless, and thus have been seen as ‘Mothers of the Nation.’ Assisting charities and welfare groups was once seen as an ‘acceptable’ or ‘token’ role for a Prime Minister’s wife, but over time they have become powerful advocates with the ability to influence public and government opinion.
Causes have included rallying support for Federation and women’s suffrage; helping servicemen through the First and Second World Wars; expressing sympathy and comfort during the dark days of the Depression; setting a positive example in the face of wartime austerity, and assisting a wide range of charities, welfare and business groups.
Many wives have received official recognition for their services to the community.
Trust the women banner.
Margaret Fisher strongly supported women’s suffrage and used her position to further the cause, becoming the first Prime Ministerial wife to participate in a political demonstration. In 1911, she marched under this ‘Trust the Women’ banner at the head of the Australian and New Zealand contingent, joining a 40,000 strong crowd through the streets of London. The issue of women’s suffrage was a contentious one in the United Kingdom, and Margaret’s participation in this rally is indicative of a growing sense of personal as well as national independence.
Exhibition of women’s work souvenir booklet. Courtesy of the National Library of Australia.
Exhibition of women’s work souvenir booklet and tablecloth
In 1907 Pattie Deakin helped organise a national exhibition designed to showcase the work and talent of women from around the world.
Exhibits included all forms of art and craft, with the proceeds going to the newly formed Bush Nursing Association, of which Pattie Deakin was a committee member. The linen drawn-thread tablecloth was made by Alice Billingham for inclusion in the exhibition. It was awarded a second class diploma.
Letter to Ethel Bruce from Mrs F.W Boykett. Courtesy of the National Archives of Australia.
Letter to Ethel Bruce from Mrs F.W Boykett
In this letter, Mrs F.W Boykett asks Ethel Bruce for help in finding her unemployed husband a job.
Prime Minister’s wives were often seen as friendlier, more approachable figures of power, and all 24 women received numerous requests for help and assistance. Without a secretary to assist her, Ethel had to answer each letter personally—it was a very time-consuming task. It is not known whether Mr Boykett gained employment.
