Rosemary Crowley

Rosemary Anne Crowley (née Willis; 30 July 1938 – 1 March 2025) was an Australian politician and doctor who served as a senator for South Australia from 1983 to 2002, representing the Australian Labor Party (ALP). Crowley made history as South Australia's first female ALP senator. During the Keating government, she held two ministerial positions: Minister for Family Services from 1993 to 1996, and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Status of Women in 1993.

Before entering the Senate in 1983, Crowley was involved in community organisations, including school committees and community health, and was an original member of the Mental Health Tribunal in South Australia. With a strong interest in workplace health and safety from her professional background, she viewed herself as a passionate advocate for social justice and the rights of all Australians. As a senator, she championed various causes, including women's rights, childcare, nuclear disarmament, health care, and sport. Crowley played a key role in launching the Premier's Cup for women's sport in South Australia and the Prime Minister's Cup for women's netball, reflecting her commitment to women's sports. She also led the government investigation into women, sport, and the media, which resulted in the creation of the Women's Sports Unit within the Sport Commission in Canberra. Additionally, she advocated for government support for elite athletes and funding for community and school-based physical education and sports programs.