Twenty-four years after women had achieved the ability to vote, they still did not have the right to stand for parliament in NSW. However, shortly after World War I had ended in 1918, the Women’s Legal Status Act was passed in NSW. This would finally enable women to become solicitors and barristers, as well as be elected to parliament.  In 1925, Millicent Preston Stanley became the first woman elected to the NSW Legislative Assembly.   

Millicent’s actions during and after her time in politics would inspire women for generations to come.  

The rise of women in politics 

The path leading to Millicent Preston Stanley’s was a long one, paved by the work of the women before her.   

Throughout the 1800s, women had fewer social, economic and legal rights than men. Campaigns were established by women who wanted to fight for their rights – this campaign was known as the ‘suffrage movement’. NSW-based associations, including the Womanhood Suffrage League, worked endlessly to grant women the right to influence our nation’s government and laws.  

It wasn’t until 1902 that the Australian government awarded women the right to vote in Federal elections, under the Commonwealth Franchise Act 1902. With this milestone, Australia would become the second country in the world (after New Zealand) to give women a say in our nation’s politics. NSW then followed with the Women’s Franchise Act 1902.  

A brave and determined woman  

Millicent Preston Stanley was born in Sydney in 1883. By 1906, she joined the suffrage movement as a council member of the NSW Women’s Liberal league. Millicent believed that women had important ideas and deserved to help make the rules that shape society.  

Becoming the first woman ever to be elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1925, Millicent now had the opportunity to truly impact Australian women’s lives for the better. She firmly believed that education and support could help families stay healthy and happy. During her time in parliament, she advocated for fairer divorce laws, better healthcare for mothers, and improved protection for children.  

On 25 August 1925, Millicent Preston Stanley also became the first woman to speak on the floor of the Legislative Assembly as an elected member. She would deliver one of the most memorable speeches, as she mesmerised her fellow members and spectators.  

“Some honourable members have been kind enough to suggest that women should be protected from the hurly-burly of politics. This attitude of mind may do credit to the softness of their hearts, [but] I think it may also be taken as evidence of a little softening in their heads.”  

Millicent’s legacy  

Even after she left parliament in 1927, Millicent kept working to encourage women to speak up and get involved in politics. As of 2025, over 150 women have served as members of the NSW parliament.  

One hundred years on, we celebrate Millicent Preston Stanley’s role as a pioneer in Australia’s political landscape, and a beacon for equality and women’s rights.   

Her courage and determination laid the path for women to win election to parliament – inspiring countless women to become civic leaders in Australia.