11/06/2026
Vale Hazel Butorac OAM
Passionate advocate, true believer, and Life Member of the WA Labor Party.
Hazel was a dedicated servant of the Labor movement, working across two decades with Senators Gordon McIntosh, Peter Walsh and John Dawkins. Following her parliamentary career, she worked alongside First Nations families involved in the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.
Her commitment to community service continued throughout her life. Hazel served as the inaugural Chair of the Midland Women's Health Centre, was appointed by Geoff Gallop to the Active Ageing Task Force, and served for many years as President of the Mature Adult Learning Association.
Hazel's outstanding contribution to the community was recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia and her induction into the Western Australian Women's Hall of Fame in 2018.
A proud and unwavering Labor supporter, Hazel's front yard was famously adorned with large campaign signs at every election. She was generous with her wisdom, forthright in her views, and never hesitated to speak up for what she believed in.
She will be greatly missed.
Patrick Gorman MP
Federal Member for Perth
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister