Late Victorian Labor senator Linda White remembered for 'profound impact'

Labor senator Linda White has been remembered as a tireless campaigner for working Australians and women as well as a strong advocate at a funeral in Melbourne.

The former union executive and lawyer was farewelled with a service held at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image on Thursday, with hundreds turning up to pay their respects.

Ms White died aged 64 in February following a months-long battle with cancer.

Speaking at the funeral, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese honoured the late senator, praising her dedication and achievements.

“We pay tribute today to a formidable supporter of working Australians, but particularly a formidable support of women,” he said.

“Even in her early professional life, Linda was always ready for a challenge, championing for something better. Linda was never the answer if you’re ever looking for someone ready to settle for just good enough.

“It is an absolute tragedy that Linda was not destined to be in the Senate for long, but she made powerful use of the brief time she had, making a profound impact on matters of significance.”

Ms White worked as a lawyer for 10 years before serving in the Australian Services Union as assistant national secretary from 1995 to 2020.

She also held roles as vice president of the ACTU for more than a decade and was part of Labor’s national executive, before being elected to the Senate in 2022.

Her work serving on the boards of several organisations, including the Australian Centre for the Moving Image and MCG Trust, was also recognised during the service.

Actress Rachel Griffiths, who served with Ms White on the Australian Centre for the Moving Image board, also paid tribute to the late senator.

“Her cultural work was simply an extension of her role in supporting democracy because she was passionate about democratising culture,” Ms Griffiths said.

“It didn’t matter to Linda if you’re a hospo worker or someone at high office, she was the same Linda, and she let you know what she thought, and even what she thought of you.”

Ms White’s brother Michael remembered her as courageous and passionate.

“Whilst I miss Linda greatly, she’ll remain in my heart as a loving and generous sister, with an enormous capacity to learn and undertake new challenges,” he said.

“She was a strong, independent woman who lived her life her way, she always considered it a privilege to have been given the opportunity to make positive contributions in whatever she did.”