Tribute to late Mrs Pam Buchanan

Premier Carmen Lawrence said tonight Mrs Pam Buchanan had made a constructive and long-term contribution to politics in Western Australia.

Dr Lawrence said Mrs Buchanan joined the ALP in 1976 and had been an active member of the party in the Pilbara, before her election to State Parliament seven years later.

"Mrs Buchanan always demonstrated a professional and diligent approach to public life and her record of achievements in the Ashburton electorate is second to none," Dr Lawrence said.

"She had a particular interest in the plight of workers and fought tirelessly to assist them whenever she could.

"Mrs Buchanan's decision to continue representing her electorate until very recently was testimony to her commitment to people living in the area."

The Premier said as a Minister, Mrs Buchanan had an empathy with Aboriginal people which had earned her respect both in and outside of politics.