It is with great regret that I acknowledge the passing of Ann Symonds, a member of the Legislative Council from 1982 to 1998 and hero to Labor women. Ann was born in Murwillumbah and trained as a teacher. She was elected to Waverley Council in 1974 and in 1977 became Waverley's first female deputy mayor. As a legislator, her passions were widespread and broad. She fought for women's rights, for people with disability, for people experiencing homelessness, for the rights of prisoners and for drug law reform. Ann was a founding member of the National Foundation for Women and a founding member of the Australian Parliamentary Group on Drug Law Reform. It is a visionary group of 100 parliamentarians committed to an illicit drug use policy that is rooted in evidence and common sense. I send my deepest condolences to Ann's family and to all those who are grieving her loss. Ann inspired me with her passion and bravery. She paved the way for Labor women and we will not let her down.