Inducted in 2011 for services to: Government (Public services and politics).
Born: 1 Jan 1948 {asset_metadata_roll.birth.in.on} Latrobe, Tasmania
Died: 5 Aug 2010
"Sue’s integrity, determination and steadfast commitment to improving the lives of Tasmanians was unflinching. During her time as a member of Parliament, Sue was a pioneer, a trail-blazer and one of the most remarkable women ever to serve the Tasmanian community." - Tasmanian Liberal Leader, Will Hodgman MP
Sue Napier was the daughter of Tasmanian Legislative Council member, Harry Braid. Her early years were spent on a farm near Lake Barrington where she grew up with her sister Debbie and brother Greg.
Sue obtained a Bachelor of Education from the University of Tasmania (UTAS) and a Master of Arts from Leeds University in the United Kingdom.
Before entering political life, Sue was a lecturer at the Tasmanian College of Advanced Education and later at UTAS. She married Drew and had two sons, Alex and James.
Sue was first elected to the Tasmanian House of Assembly in 1992 when she suggested the slogan, ‘the best man for the job is a woman’. Sue was that woman, going on to spend 18 years in politics.
Sue made an outstanding contribution, not only to the Liberal Party, but to the Tasmanian Parliament. During her career she served in many portfolios including youth affairs, education and transport and opposition portfolios of tourism, health, women and infrastructure.
Sue was the first woman to be Deputy Premier of Tasmania and Opposition Leader and Leader of the Liberal Party in Tasmania.
Sue was diagnosed with breast cancer in late 2008 and passed away in August 2010. She is remembered as a woman of integrity who fought against discrimination and championed the cause of the disadvantaged.