Kaye Sutherland Memorial Bequest fund

Born 30 January, 1955

Died 12 July, 1998

Kaye Sutherland died in July 1998 aged only 42. She was the Secretary of the ALP in South Australia, the first woman ever to hold that post, and she made her mark as Campaign Director for the state election in 1997 – the election that Labor nearly won against formidable odds.

Kaye was born in Whyalla, and throughout her life was committed to the labour movement. She went to the Shop Distributive Union when only 18, rose to the position of industrial officer, and in 1988 was elected as an ALP organiser in Party Office.

In 1997 she was elected unopposed as State Secretary. She saw it as her mission to bring the ALP into the technological age and into government.

Kaye was born with a kidney disorder and had two kidney transplants during her too-short life. She nick-named her new kidney ‘Moet’ and celebrated its anniversary each year with lashings of its bubbly namesake shared with friends at a Chinese dinner. She never let her health interfere with what she wanted to do, and was a talented cricketer, playing wicket-keeper for the SA women’s cricket team.

Kaye dealt fairly with all members of the Party and judged people by their commitment. She had many friends across all sections of the Party and was admired for her honesty and forthrightness.

She strongly supported Affirmative Action and the 35% rule in the ALP. She also supported Emily’s List and spoke publicly of its value.

Kaye Sutherland is greatly missed by all in the SA ALP. Her contribution to Labor is now part of the history of our great movement.

Anne Levy

Anne Levy is a trustee of the Kaye Sutherland Memorial Bequest Fund

Why honour Kaye Sutherland?

Kaye was a Labor trailblazer, working all her life to forge a brighter future for working people, as a union organiser, Party organiser and as South Australia’s first woman State Secretary.

What is a Bequest?

A Bequest is a statement in your will leaving a specific gift, for example cash, property or a percentage of your estate to the ALP.

How does the Trust Fund work?

All gifts will be invested in a Trust Fund so that over time only the interest frorm these gifts will be used to help provide for the Party’s election campaigns. The initial gift will remain in perpetuity as a testament to you and your belief in Labor ideals and will be remembered at our Annual State Convention.

Who are the trustees?
Anne Levy
Member of the South Australian Parliament for 22 years, and is the longest ever serving woman in that Parliament. During that time spent three years as President of the Legislative Council, being the first woman to preside in any House of Parliament in Australia. For nearly five years she was a Minister, holding the portfolios of Arts, Local Government, State Services, Consumer Affairs, and Status of Women. She has been active in the ALP for 35 years, and held many Party positions. She has an M.Sc. degree from the University of Adelaide, is Patron of the Humanist Society, Life Member of the Women’s Electoral Lobby, President of the National Foundation of Australian Women, and member of many community organisations.

Greg Crafter
Greg was the Member for Norwood in the SA House of Assembly from 1979-1993. He served as a Minister for eleven years, predominately in the Education portfolio. Greg is a consultant with the Adelaide legal firm Johnston & Withers who have had a long association with the labour movement. He is a member of the Council of the University of Adelaide, Chair of the Don Dunstan Foundation and Chair of the Geneva-based, International Baccalaureate organisation.

Frank Blevins
Frank was the member for Whyalla and Giles in the House of Assembly from 1985 to 1997 and a member of the Legislative Council between 1975 and 1985. He served as a Minister in several portfolios that included Fisheries, Agriculture, Transport, Correctional Services, Labour, Assistant Treasurer, Finance, Mineral Resources and finally as Deputy Premier. Frank was born in Manchester, England and in 1956 joined the UK Merchant Navy before moving with his family to Whyalla where he worked as a seaman before entering Parliament.

How do I make a Bequest?

To make a Bequest you will need to contact the SA Branch of the Australian Labor Party. The office is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm and can be telephoned on (08) 8418 6700 or by 1800 655 103 for country callers, or you can email the office at info@sa.alp.org.au

Remember, a Bequest is simply a statement in your will leaving a specific gift, for example cash, property or a percentage of your estate to the ALP.

Our staff will advise you on how to make a bequest and receive a free standard will, if you are an ALP member and provide a referral letter to one of the participating legal firms.

How do I make a free will?

Members of the Australian Labor Party qualify for a free standard will or will change by some of Adelaide’s major law firms.

To make a free standard will you should contact the Party Office. The office is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm and can be telephoned on (08) 8418 6700 or by 1800 655 103 for country callers, or you can email the office at info@sa.alp.org.au

Our staff will advise you on how to receive a free standard will and provide a referral letter to one of the participating legal firms