BELFAST-born Margaret Guilfoyle was a pioneering politician in Australia who "opened doors for women that will never be shut again".
The first ever female cabinet minister to hold a portfolio, she remained the highest-ranking woman to serve in the Australian government until Julia Gillard became prime minister in 2010.
Born Margaret Georgina Constance McCartney in 1926, she was the second of three children to William McCartney, a civil servant, and Elizabeth Jane (Ellis), who worked as a teacher before her marriage.
The family moved to Melbourne in 1928 but the death of her father when she was 10 left her mother to raise her children alone.
Margaret later described how she became aware that "at any time, a woman must be capable of independence".
She worked as a secretary from the age of 15 but studied accountancy at night and eventually became head accountant at Overseas Corporation Australia Ltd.
After marrying fellow accountant Stanley Guilfoyle in 1952, a move into private practice helped her to continue working while caring for three children.
Margaret became involved in politics through the Liberal Party and was encouraged to run for the Senate in 1970, becoming only the seventh woman to sit in the chamber.
She would hold the Victoria seat for 16 years and serve in Malcolm Fraser's cabinet from 1975 to 1983 - taking charge of the education, social security and finance ministries.
Described in the media as the 'Iron Butterfly' and drawing comparisons with Margaret Thatcher, she resented being defined by her gender.
In a speech in 1992 she said she “was often asked whether I was the first woman doing this or that”.
“I always said that I thought that was not important. What was important was that I not be the last.”
Scott Morrison, Australia's Liberal prime minister, said: "Dame Margaret opened doors for Australian women that will never be shut again… this is her great legacy."
Dame Margaret Guilfoyle died aged 94 on November 11.