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Joan Kirner Quotes

Powerful Joan Kirner for Daily Growth

About Joan Kirner

Joan Kirner (1946-2017) was an Australian politician who served as the Premier and Treasurer of Victoria from October 1990 to December 1992. Born on February 8, 1946, in Mildura, Victoria, she grew up on a farm, which instilled in her a strong sense of community and social justice. Kirner attended the University of Melbourne, where she studied arts and law. She began her political career as a member of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) in 1976, representing the electorate of Williamstown in the Victorian Legislative Assembly. In the early 1980s, she became active in the women's movement, advocating for gender equality and reproductive rights. Kirner rose to prominence during the 1980s under the leadership of John Cain Jr., serving as Minister for Women's Affairs and Minister for Housing before becoming Treasurer following Cain's resignation in 1988. After a brief period as Leader of the Opposition, she succeeded Cain as Premier upon his retirement in October 1990. As Premier, Kirner introduced significant reforms aimed at addressing social issues and promoting environmental sustainability. Among her major achievements were the introduction of Victoria's first recycling program, improvements to public transport, and the establishment of the Victorian Arts Centre Trust. However, her tenure was marred by economic difficulties and political infighting within the ALP, leading to her resignation in December 1992. After leaving politics, she continued her advocacy work, serving as CEO of the National Heart Foundation of Australia from 1994 to 2006. Throughout her life, Joan Kirner was known for her intelligence, determination, and commitment to social justice. Her legacy continues to inspire many in Australian politics today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I'm a strong believer that we should never underestimate the power of ordinary people to achieve extraordinary things."

This quote emphasizes the potential hidden within common individuals, suggesting that despite their perceived "ordinariness," they possess an innate capacity for accomplishing remarkable feats. It encourages belief in the transformative power of collective effort and individual resolve, implying that with determination and unity, even the most formidable challenges can be surmounted.

"Give people the tools they need to participate in their own lives and communities."

This quote suggests that empowering individuals with the necessary resources, skills, and knowledge enables them to actively engage in shaping their lives and the communities they live in. In essence, it advocates for policies and practices that foster self-determination, community involvement, and active citizenship. By providing people with these tools, we create a more inclusive, democratic, and vibrant society where everyone can contribute meaningfully to their own well-being and that of their communities.

"Politics is about making a difference and improving the lives of people, not just scoring points or winning elections."

This quote emphasizes that the core purpose of politics should be to create positive change in society rather than merely seeking personal gain or political victory. It encourages leaders to prioritize the needs and well-being of their constituents over self-serving agendas, thus fostering a more equitable and progressive world.

"Change is essential, but it needs to be based on a solid foundation of values and principles."

This quote emphasizes that change is necessary for growth and progress, but it should be grounded in enduring values and principles. In other words, change should not be random or haphazard, but rather deliberate and guided by a strong moral compass. The solid foundation of shared values and principles ensures the change is sustainable, beneficial, and aligned with the community's best interests.

"If we truly believe in our values, we must have the courage to stand up for them, even when it's difficult."

Joan Kirner's quote underscores the importance of holding steadfast to one's core beliefs, especially during challenging times. It implies that genuine adherence to values requires bravery in upholding them, even when confronted with adversity or resistance. This quote serves as a reminder that our convictions are only validated through action, and standing for what we believe is essential for personal integrity and positive social change.

A lot of young women ask me, 'Can you go into politics and maintain your ideals?' Well, I think you can. You might not, in any one interview, tell the whole truth, but to deliberately deceive the public who've elected you is totally unacceptable.

- Joan Kirner

Politics, Young, I Think, Unacceptable

Dad was a great advocate for social justice and a very quiet advocate of the essential Labor values.

- Joan Kirner

Social, Very, Dad, Essential

It's okay, when we as women are in a serving role. But it's not okay, it appears, still, when we have full access to power.

- Joan Kirner

Okay, Role, Still, Women Are

Going across the Tannai Desert was one of the spookiest experiences I've ever had. Not driving during the day; that was fine. And so we camped in an old sort of truck siding, I think. And the silence. The eerie silence and then a dingo howling, and it was just so spooky. I didn't sleep all night.

- Joan Kirner

Truck, I Think, Had, Eerie

Mum was an absolutely determined woman. She was determined I would have a good education, and they went without all sorts of things to ensure it.

- Joan Kirner

Education, Woman, Ensure, Good Education

To have been the first woman premier of Victoria was not only a great opportunity but also a great chance to say to the young women of Victoria - Liberal or Labor - 'You can do it, too.'

- Joan Kirner

Been, Young Women, Victoria, Great Opportunity

I used to get into the government car and switch on Chopin or someone I liked to hear at the end of a parliamentary day.

- Joan Kirner

Government, Used, Liked, Switch

I have severe osteoporosis. Your bones start to collapse.

- Joan Kirner

Start, Bones, Your, Severe

Just by making a decision to stay out of politics, you are making the decision to allow others to shape politics and exert power over you. And if you are alienated from the current political system, then just by staying out of it, if you do nothing to change it, you simply entrench it.

- Joan Kirner

Politics, Allow, Staying, Alienated

I'm a workaholic. I would not pretend to be anything else. I rarely go to bed before one o'clock in the morning. I might kind of have a spa between half-past twelve and one and relax, and that's when I do my thinking, or my non-thinking. That's when I have a bit of space for myself.

- Joan Kirner

Bed, Before, Anything Else, Workaholic

I was very happy being education minister and deputy to John Cain.

- Joan Kirner

Education, Very, Minister, Deputy

Men are rarely questioned on their spouses or their partners, and nor should they be. And the question to ask is why is this done to women?

- Joan Kirner

Question, Why, Spouses, Partners

I've never had any problem with criticism. I've given a lot, and I've copped a lot. But I believe I've got a role to play by insisting that women be judged by their contribution - not somebody's view of what they should be about.

- Joan Kirner

Play, Role, Given, Insisting

Isn't that what we come into politics for? To say to people: 'You can do it, too - there is a chance to serve your community. There is a chance to shape it co-operatively and democratically, without fear or favour.' And that is what I tried to do.

- Joan Kirner

Politics, Chance, Shape, Democratically

I tried chemo, but chemo and I didn't agree, so we didn't persist.

- Joan Kirner

Agree, Tried, I Tried, Persist

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