2020-07-21
The ACT Greens mourn the sudden passing of Sue Salthouse, a women of true grit and determination.
After surviving a life-defining fall from a horse in 1995, Sue became a fierce advocate for women with disabilities. She was awarded the 2020 ACT Senior Australian of the Year and named 2015 Canberra Citizen of the Year in recognition of her contributions. Her input ranged from local, to national to international levels, advocating for the rights of women and their right to live free of discrimination and violence, amongst many other issues. She was a true social justice and human rights defender and a Canberra legend. There are many in Canberra and beyond who have learnt from her and benefitted from her wisdom and resolve to make this a better world.
She consistently raised issues about the barriers people with disability face, including lack of housing security, affordability and accessibility, and experiencing a higher vulnerability to exploitation and abuse and the lack of disability friendly and accessible information. Due to Sue’s empowerment of so many younger women, we are sure her work will be continued.
Vale Sue, may you rest in peace. This world is a better place from having had you in it.
Our thoughts are with her family and friends.