Anne Levy AO (b. 1934), politician, was the first woman to preside in an Australian parliament. Gaining a master's in science in 1963, she tutored on the subject of genetics at the University of Adelaide for fifteen years and had two children before becoming an ALP member of the South Australian Parliament in 1975. She was a member for 22 years, until 1997, and became the first ever ALP female member of the Legislative Council. She worked extensively in the areas of homosexual law reform, abortion law reform, euthanasia, rape law reform, childcare, maternity leave, equality in education for girls, equal pay and affirmative action. Levy oversaw the Office of the Status of Women as well as the Consumer Affairs, Arts, Local Government and State Services portfolios at various periods during her tenure. At the same time, she was a council member of the University of Adelaide from 1975 to 1996; patron of the Humanist Society, and 1986 Australian Humanist of the Year; a member of the Abortion Law Repeal Association from 1969; a founding member of the Family Planning Association from 1972 to 1984; Patron of the Supporting Mothers Association of South Australia; a founding and life member and sometime board member and board chair of the National Foundation of Australian Women; an honorary life member of the Women's Electoral Lobby; an elected member of the Management Committee of the South Australian Women’s Legal Service; and a founding member of Emily's List Australia. Having played a key role in the implementation of the Equal Opportunity Act in 1983, on 12 February 1986 at 11am she was installed as President of the South Australian Legislative Council. Three hours later, Joan Childs became speaker of the Federal House of Representatives. Levy received a Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur for her work as honorary consul for France in South Australia from 2000 to 2005 and was made an officer of the Order of Australia in 2011 for social policy reform and the advancement of women's rights.
