THE Canberra community have taken to social media to pay tribute to disability advocate Sue Salthouse, who died in a crash yesterday (July 20) afternoon. 

The ACT Senior Australian was well-known for her advocacy in the disability sector and her work with women in the sector.

Women with Disabilities ACT, an organisation where Sue sat on the board, took to Twitter this morning to send their condolences to family and friends.

“We will miss her very much,” Women with Disabilities ACT wrote.

Women with Disabilities ACT was deeply saddened yesterday to hear of the passing of our Board Chair, Sue Salthouse. We will miss her very much. Vale Sue.

We send our sincerest condolences to her family and friends and ask that their privacy is respected during this time. pic.twitter.com/7XaVZiaahT

— WWDACT (@WWDACT) July 20, 2020

Another person, Disability Leadership Institute CEO Christina Ryan spoke about Sue as being an outstanding change agent, saying: “I can’t imagine this fight without you. In 25 years we did so much brilliant stuff together and nothing can take that away.”

Vale the fabulous Sue Salthouse, my #disability sister, dearest friend, outstanding change agent. I can't imagine this fight without you. In 25 years we did so much brilliant stuff together & nothing can take that away. @WWDA_AU @WWDACT #DisabilityRights

— Christina Ryan (@HChristinaR) July 20, 2020

On behalf of the Canberra Liberals, shadow seniors minister Nicole Lawder paid tribute, too, saying: “I am deeply saddened at Sue’s passing. I had the privilege of working with Sue for many years in the disability sector. Her sense of humour and willingness to support and mentor others will not be forgotten.”

“Sue was a powerful and determined advocate for people with a disability and for women. More recently Sue’s tireless advocacy was recognised with being awarded ACT Senior Australian of the Year,” Ms Lawder said.

“She has played an important part in more advisory committees and panels than I can name. Her numerous awards and recognition are just a small testament to her enormous contribution in a range of areas and she will be sorely missed.”

Chief Minister Andrew Barr followed, describing Sue as a fierce and passionate advocate for people with a disability.

“On behalf of the ACT government and all members of the ACT Cabinet, I would like to express our shock and dismay at the sudden and tragic loss of ACT Senior Australian of the Year and 2015 Canberra Citizen of the Year, Sue Salthouse,” he said.

“Her life was one of service and contribution to her community, and she worked for greater recognition of the enormous contribution women with disability make to the workplace and in leadership roles.

“Locally, Sue was highly regarded in the community sector and across government. As the co-chair of the ACT Expert Panel, Sue contributed to the historic and nation leading transition into the NDIS locally.

“The ACT was proud of her representation on the the Council of Australian Governments Summit on Reducing Violence Against Women and their Children and as a member of the Independent Advisory Council to the NDIA board.

“Sue has touched the lives of many Canberrans, and her voice for people with a disability will be sorely missed.  Our heartfelt condolences are with her family, friends and all her knew her.”

Sue, who was driving a wheelchair-accessible motorcycle, died after a collision with a car on Commonwealth Avenue Bridge yesterday. 

She was treated at the scene by ambulance paramedics, but died in hospital.

The road was closed for a several hours while the Major Collision Team investigated the circumstances of the incident.

The families have asked for their privacy to be respected at this time and no further details will be provided.

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