Dorothy Tangney

1943
Overview

Studio portrait of Dorothy Tangney in dark jacket over light lace top and necklace, with dark hat. Photo is mounted on light card with brown deckled edge.

Historical information

(Dame) Dorothy Margaret Tangney (1907-1985), daughter of Eugene Tangney and Ellen Augustine Shanahan, was born in North Perth.

Became a passionate social justice advocate and was an active member of the Australian Labour Party.

Passed her leaving certificate at the age of 15 and began training as a schoolteacher, combining her teaching work with part-time study at the University of Western Australia. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1927 and later completed a postgraduate diploma in education in 1932. Taught at Claremont Central School.

In 1936 and 1939, Tangney was endorsed as the Labour candidate for Nedlands in the State Elections and she was unsuccessful on both occasions.

In 1943, Tangney became Australia's first female Senator and represented WA in Canberra. Senator Tangney made history by being the first woman to join a Federal Parliamentary Committee on being elected a member of the Joint Committee on Social Security, where she was able to implement her passion for social justice (health reform, unemployment benefits, working conditions) where she played a part in the establishment of the Australian National University, in the Peace Treaty with Japan, in overseas conferences representing Australia, in the United Nations General Assembly as an observer.

Headed the Western Australian Senate ticket in 1946, 1951, 1955 and 1961, but was defeated in 1967

Made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1968.

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-28--4-81
Item type
Inscriptions and markings

Inscribed on the mount under photo [ David Jones.]

Written on rear [Dorothy 1943].

Year
Last modified
Friday, 29 August, 2025
Completeness
94
Permissions

For authorisation to reproduce, publish or display, please contact the Claremont Museum.

Attribution requirements

Acknowledgements to be made to 'Claremont Museum 04.81'.

Claremont Museum

Claremont Museum

Organisation details
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Dorothy Tangney
Senator Dorothy Tangney
Source: Claremont Museum 04.81

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