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Alice Olive Zakharov – nee Hay

1929 – 1995

A Champion for Human Rights and Social Justice

”. . . I state unequivocally that I am a socialist, a unionist and a feminist and that I intend to spend my term in office in the service of the people of Victoria, working towards a society where every individual can live with dignity and security.” [1]

Alice Olive Zakharov, known as Olive, was a relentless advocate for human rights and social justice. From a young age, Olive’s life experiences fueled her passion for fighting inequality and discrimination. Her advocacy spanned a wide range of issues, including women’s rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, disability rights, and the concerns of First Nations and multicultural communities.[2]

Olive grew up in Melbourne in a low-income household, during the Great Depression, a time of widespread hardship. This experience and the early loss of her mother at just 15 years old profoundly shaped Olive’s life. Rising above her challenges, Olive excelled academically, graduating as dux of her high school in 1946 and securing a scholarship to the University of Melbourne. There, she pursued an arts degree in psychology and became involved in the university’s Communist Party branch.

In 1949, Olive paused her studies to work in various roles—clerk, shop assistant, mail officer, process worker, waitress, fruit picker, and pathology assistant. These jobs deepened her understanding of exploitation, especially for women, which she later reflected on as a formative influence on her advocacy.’ [3]

Olive resumed her education in 1965, completing her Arts Degree and a graduate diploma in educational psychology.  The study was concurrent with working as a teacher from about 1966, first at Watsonia High School then at Montmorency High School (former became Greensborough Secondary College after merger with Watsonia Tech and latter became Montmorency Secondary College).  Olive dedicated 17 years to teaching and school counselling. Her friend Margaret Bride noted that Olive’s commitment to social justice was evident not only in her active participation in the teachers’ union but also in her support for students facing difficulties at school or home. [4]

In the early 1960s, Olive transitioned from the Communist Party of Australia to the Australian Labor Party (ALP). Her political career took off when she secured preselection for the Senate in 1982. In her maiden speech, Olive addressed poverty and shared her firsthand understanding of the struggles faced by those on low incomes. She declared herself “a socialist, a unionist, and a feminist,” committed to building a society where every individual could live with dignity and security.

Olive’s dedication to social issues was recognised when the Australian Humanist Society named her ‘Humanist of the Year’ in 1984. Her commitment was further demonstrated in 1993 when, during a campaign launch against violence towards women, she openly shared her decade-long experience of abuse to encourage victims to speak out and foster a more open discussion about domestic violence. [5]

Olive was a dedicated advocate for peace and disarmament, contributing significantly to the global peace movement. She was an active member of the Campaign for International Cooperation and Disarmament, reflecting her commitment to fostering international understanding and reducing global conflict. Additionally, she played a crucial role as a member of World Women Parliamentarians for Peace, working alongside other leaders to promote peace and cooperation on a global scale.

Olive remained actively engaged with local community issues throughout her political career. Notably, she protested against the compulsory acquisition of homes for development by painting “Not for sale” on the roof of her Port Melbourne home—a powerful act of grassroots activism.

Olive served as a Senator for twelve years, making significant contributions to politics and community activism. Tragically, on February 12, 1995, Olive was struck by a car while leaving the Midsummer Gay and Lesbian Festival at the Arts Centre in Melbourne. This accident occurred as she was actively supporting and celebrating with the LGBTQIA+ community.

Following her passing, the Senate adjourned early as a mark of respect. Several red roses, symbolising the international socialist movement, were placed upon her desk. Parliament delivered over two hours of condolence speeches in Olive’s honour. Following her funeral on March 30, a memorial plaque was unveiled in the courtyard at Parliament House, commemorating her significant contributions and legacy.

Alice Olive Zakharov’s life and career were marked by an unwavering dedication to social justice and human rights. Her tireless efforts to improve conditions for others and her commitment to fairness made a lasting impact across politics, education, and community activism.

This Biography was written by Her Place Women’s Museum. Thank you to the family of Olive Zakharov – Jeannie,  Martin and Robin. Friend Margaret Mc Bride and The Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society and Port Places for assistance with resources in creating this biography.

Photograph:  Olive Zakharov – photograph supplied by family

 

Commemoration: 

A memorial to Olive Zakharov, unveiled in March 2002,  stands in a small reserve, known as Olive’s Corner, in Liardet Street, Port Melbourne.

The description reads:

Olive Zakharov (1929 – 1995)

Was a parent, teacher, psychologist, ALP Senator in the Federal Parliament, Port Melbourne resident & lifelong community activist. 

She worked passionately for the welfare and rights of individuals and communities who lacked power and influence.  

Olive’s Corner is a memorial to her life and values. Olive’s legacy is also honoured through Olive’s Place, a high-security refuge for disadvantaged women and children in Melbourne.

Further Resources

To Discover more trailblazing women from the City of Port Phillip visit

The women and places of HerStory – City of Port Phillip

 

[1] Parliament of Australia (7 March 1995) Olive Zakaharov maiden parliamentary speech quoted in Condolences Senator Olive Zakharov  

[2] Obituary – Alice Olive Zakharov, 1925–1995 [Obituary]. Retrieved February 21, 2023

[3] Senate Biography. (n.d.). Alice Olive Zakharov [Biographical profile]. Retrieved August 13, 2024

[4] Bride, M. (2022, August 18). Personal communication.

[5] Obituaries Australia. (n.d.). Obituary – Alice Olive Zakharov, 1925–1995. Retrieved February 21, 2023