Jan Logie valedictory statement

Jan Logie delivered her valedictory statement in Parliament on 24 August 2023, reflecting on twelve years of service as a Green Party MP. She began by situating herself proudly as a lesbian, acknowledging the support of her family, partner Cath, and their chosen family, particularly for enduring the challenges of political life. She expressed deep gratitude for Cath’s patience through difficult moments, from campaign door-knocking to standing by her during times of personal and political strain.

Logie explained that she first entered politics to stop “yelling at politicians on the radio” and now leaves to stop yelling at herself. She emphasised that her political vision has always been grounded in collective movements, not individuals. Throughout her career she saw the most meaningful progress emerge from communities and advocacy groups pressing for change, and she celebrated the strength of unions, NGOs, social services, and grassroots networks that shaped her political journey.

She highlighted major achievements in pay equity, noting the battles fought to ensure women’s work is properly valued, with over 175,000 women receiving substantial pay rises. She praised unions and advocates who worked tirelessly to bring about fair pay agreements and called for continued reform of workplace protections and the ACC system to address long-standing inequities.

Logie placed special emphasis on her work addressing family and sexual violence. She acknowledged survivors, community organisations, and campaigners whose wisdom guided legislative reforms, including the establishment of a dedicated ministerial role, new strategies, and funding for community-based services. She stressed the importance of Māori leadership in these initiatives, saying this has created more authentic and inclusive responses. She warned against dismissing Māori leadership as “divisive,” arguing instead that it brings communities together.

Reflecting on children who experienced state abuse, she highlighted the findings of the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care and the need for society to respond with compassion, not punishment. She celebrated world-first domestic violence workplace protections, which are now being followed internationally, and credited survivors’ voices as proof of their impact.

On reproductive rights, Logie was proud of her role in abortion law reform and noted the solidarity across political lines to achieve it. She also recalled her maiden speech in which she spoke about the beauty of diversity, linking it to her later work championing rainbow rights. She stood as a cisgender feminist lesbian in solidarity with takatāpui, trans, intersex, non-binary and wider LGBTQIA+ communities, and was honoured to accept petitions for self-identification on birth certificates. She stated clearly that “trans women are women” and that true freedom will only come when everyone is free.

Logie also recognised the contributions of disabled activists, expressing concern at the inadequacies of current accessibility legislation. She credited the persistence of the disability community for delaying poorly drafted laws and pushing for stronger human rights protections.

Turning to environmental issues, she spoke with urgency about climate change and biodiversity collapse, noting communities already feeling the impact. She expressed frustration at political leaders’ lack of urgency but placed her hope in collective action and movements for change. She acknowledged James Shaw’s ongoing commitment to climate action and urged the public not to rely on politicians alone but to mobilise together.

Throughout her speech, Logie balanced pride in achievements with honesty about unfinished work. She pointed to continuing inequality, poverty, violence, and systemic barriers but maintained hope in the power of collective action to create transformation. She stressed that no one in Parliament succeeds alone, as power always comes from communities.

Logie concluded as she began her political career, with a call for unity, courage, and hope. She urged people to vote, organise, and join movements to secure a just future for all, grounded in dignity, social justice, environmental protection, and inclusivity. Her farewell was both personal and political: a love letter to her communities, a celebration of progress, and a reminder of the challenges still ahead.

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Jan Logie

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