A Battle-axe in the Bear Pit

In this absorbing biography Wendy Michaels provides a rich and thoroughly researched study of the life and career of Millicent Preston Stanley, a pioneering Australian female politician whose story deserves to be better known. - Honorary Associate Professor Caroline Webb, The University of Newcastle In 1925, Millicent Preston Stanley became the first woman to be elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly. She arrived with a reputation as an activist, advocate and campaigner, who was not averse to firing witty retorts at those who challenged her. On one occasion when a gentleman tossed the 'battle-axe' slur at her she riposted, 'a battle-axe is a pretty useful weapon if it's kept sharp and bright'. Although the Legislative Assembly was Australia's Mother Parliament, there was nothing motherly about it. Not long after its establishment in 1856 it earned the name 'Bear Pit' because of the behaviour of members who regularly used abusive language and even engaged in fisticuffs on the floor of the House. No wonder parliament was not considered a fit place for a woman! When Millicent entered those hallowed halls, some observers commented she might be the 'angel in the house', taming members' wild behaviours. But that was not her mission. She was focused on enacting legislation that would make the nation a better place for women and children - and men. A Battle-axe in the Bear Pit: Millicent Preston Stanley MP paints a portrait of this trailblazing politician. Piecing together information about her family, political apprenticeship, employment in commercial and political associations, work in voluntary organisations, and her election campaigns, it traces her pathway into parliament, describes the misogyny she encountered there, outlines her attempts to advance her legislative agendas against the obstacles in her path, and follows the twists and turns of her extensive post-parliamentary political career. This compelling story provides detailed insights not only into Millicent's life and motivations but also into the life and politics of the times. Thoroughly researched and beautifully written, this is a great read which carries you along on the journey, explaining so much of women's recent status in Australia and the implications for the present. - Dr Jill Bough This biography of the first woman member of the NSW parliament, an advocate for the rights of mothers in their children and for girls and young women to be protected from sexual and domestic violence, a life-long temperance advocate, and a vehement anti-communist, is a welcome, gripping and illuminating read. - Professor Emerita Eileen Baldry AO FASSA