Passionate voice lost

The Great Southern has lost a “passionate and committed” voice in the Australian Senate with the passing of WA Senator Judith Adams.

The former Kojonup farmer passed away aged 68 on Saturday following a long battle with cancer.

Both sides of politics paid tribute to the Liberal senator’s passion and commitment during her time in Federal politics.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said Senator Adams had many friends in Parliament on all sides of the political divide and would be greatly missed.

Leader of the Government in the Senate, Labor’s Chris Evans, said Senator Adams was highly respected for her hard work, energy and commitment to her role.

“She was passionate about many issues, including the needs of Australians living in regional and rural areas,” he said.

Senator Adams was born in New Zealand and trained as a nurse and midwife, before moving to WA in 1968.

Judith married her husband Gordon in 1970 and the couple lived in Quindanning for two years before moving to Kojonup, where they farmed for 36 years with their two sons.

The family was involved in the Kojonup community with Senator Adams winning Citizen of the Year in 1995.

Senator Adams was elected as a Liberal Senator for WA in 2004 and again in 2010.

Mr Abbott said Senator Adams was proud of her “life experience” and proud to be the second-oldest woman ever to have entered the Senate.

An Albany Liberal party spokeswoman said Senator Adams’ family appreciated the support from all over Australia during her difficult battle with cancer.

The family hoped well wishers would make a donation in her memory to Breast Cancer Care WA or The Royal Flying Doctor Service.

The Australian Constitution states when the death of a senator occurs a new appointment is made by the Parliament of the State the senator represented.

keir.tunbridge@albanyadvertiser.com