Tributes for Anita Phillips
Former MP honoured
A former member for Thuringowa has been remembered for her passion for community renewal, strength and as a trailblazer for women in Queensland politics.
Dr Anita Phillips, who served Thuringowa from February 17, 2001 to February 7, 2004, died on the Sunshine Coast in February after a short illness.
She was born in Melbourne on March 14, 1945 to John and Anita Phillips. She moved to Townsville in 1969 and opened a store in Shaw’s Arcade.
But it wasn’t long before she was roped back into her former career as a social worker.
She joined Joan Innes-reid as the only two social workers in the city at the time.
Decades later, Dr Phillips ran for the seat of Thuringowa, and defeated one-term One Nation- turned- independent Ken Turner in the 2001 election.
In a tribute, former premier Peter Beattie said Dr Phillips was a key part of Labor’s team for that election.
“Anita was a powerful advocate for the people of Thuringowa and a trailblazer for women in Queensland politics at a time in Queensland when both were a challenge,” he said.
“Her strength of character and determination were admired by both sides of politics.”
Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper paid tribute to Dr Phillips in parliament on Thursday, saying he met her in 2018.
“The number one thing we had in common was our love for the North Queensland Cowboys – although we will not talk about the result of the last game,” Mr Harper said.
He added that Dr Phillips had been responsible for funding upgrades to the former Dairy Farmers Stadium.
“When we met in 2018, the new stadium was literally coming out of the ground, and I know she was very excited about that. I think she would be very proud to have seen what we have achieved,” Mr Harper said.
In 2004, Dr Phillips retired from state politics to take on LNP incumbent Peter Lindsay – but she lost the battle. Current federal Government Services Minister Bill Shorten described Dr Phillips as a modest person.
Dr Phillips’ daughters, Rebecca, Melanie and Keinton, were at her side when she died.