Thomas Glassey

“ Under existing laws a man has the right to exclude his wife from all participation in whatever property he may possess at the time of his death. In many instances the wife has, by her own exertions, assisted the husband to acquire such property. I favour a change of the law in this respect with a view to securing to the widow a just share of the material wealth she has assisted to create.
DIVORCE.
I am of the opinion that no distinction whatever should be made between the sexes as to the causes for which a divorce should be granted. ”

“ In the Legislative Assembly of Queensland, during the session of 1894, I had the honour of presenting two petitions containing the names of about 12,000 persons, urging Parliament to pass a measure conferring the franchise upon every man and woman in this State, and in the same session I introduced the first Electoral Reform Bill submitted to the Queensland Parliament extending political rights to the female portion of the community. ”

“ To further the enactment of laws for the elevation of the people of my adopted country, to foster and protect her industries, and to give my earnest advocacy to all measures that may tend to the advancement of our Australian Continent, will I assure you, be always the objects towards which I shall direct my best endeavours and energies. ”

“ Amongst the many measures passed by the Commonwealth Parliament during its first session was one to regulate and control the Public Service, in which fully 11,000 persons are employed, of whom only 1,072 are females. ”

“ We must protect our children and our industries, and, by so doing, protect Australia from the errors of old-time civilisations.
EDUCATION AND CHILD LABOUR.
It is not necessary for me to enlarge upon the evils resulting from the employment in factories etc., of children of tender age. I am convinced that every endeavour should be made to give our children a sound, general, and technical education, before permitting them to enter upon the struggle for a livelihood. ”

“ In the interest of the female employees throughout the service, I advocated the appointment of a lady to one of these high and important positions, as I consider that women have a legitimate claim to a share of this work in the public offices. ”

“ Any measure that may be introduced into the Federal Parliament dealing with this question should, in my opinion contain some provision for the establishment of these homes, thereby permitting the old and infirm to enjoy each others society during the closing period of their lives. ”