John Fahey funeral: Former NSW premier farewelled at St Mary’s
A moving state funeral for former NSW premier John Fahey — known in parliament as ‘Have A Chat’ during his time there — has honoured a man who adored his family and had three major passions — politics, sport and religion.
NSW
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In his public life, John Fahey had three passions: politics, sport and religion.
The former NSW Liberal premier would use those topics to interrogate suitors wanting to date his daughter.
In a recorded tribute played at her father’s State Funeral at St Mary’s Cathedral on Friday, Melanie Fahey-Cicala — who lives in the US and could not attend the mass — told mourners of his dating test.
“You had three questions for our boyfriends which would determine if they were ever allowed back into our home,” she said.
“Question one, well what religion are you?
“Question two, well who do you vote for?
“And probably the most important question which sealed their fate, question three, who’s your favourite football team?
“God forbid they’d say anything other than the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs.”
Mr Fahey was aged 75 when he died on September 12 after battling leukaemia, leaving behind his wife of 52 years, Colleen, two children and four grandchildren.
The Faheys youngest child, Tiffany, was killed in a road accident in 2006, and the couple then raised her children, Amber and Campbell.
Both grandchildren were involved in the service, placing the pall on their beloved grandfather’s coffin, with Amber also delivering a reading
Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher told the service with Colleen “it was love at first sight”.
“Though not a Catholic when she married him, ‘Lady Col’ joined John in making their home a true domestic church,” he said.
Past and present prime ministers and premiers paid their respects to Mr Fahey at the service, along with NSW ministers, political commentators and members of the Catholic clergy, including Cardinal George Pell.
Social distancing was enforced inside the cathedral to meet COVID-19 restrictions, with the funeral limited to family and invited guests only.
Former prime minister John Howard was among the key speakers, praising Mr Fahey for achieving rare success in both state and federal politics.
“He left a great impression on Australian public life,” Mr Howard said.
“This fitting tribute to his service to his church, to his family, to his state and to his nation is an opportunity for us to not only thank him, but to thank God for him,” Mr Howard said.
Former NSW premier Nick Greiner said Mr Fahey — “known up at the road in Parliament House as ‘have a chat’” — came from a “Labor-voting family”.
“His father famously was alleged to say he’d never vote for John,” Mr Greiner said.
An emotional Foreign Minister Marise Payne fought back tears as she spoke of her friend and mentor.
“His support, his willingness to be a sounding board, his abiding love and friendship that marked his mentorship, is irreplaceable,” she said. “He will be missed.”
Raised with strong Catholic values, Mr Fahey was a boy when he migrated to Picton from New Zealand.
In 1984 he was elected as the Member for Camden, marking the start of a 17-year political career before retiring in 2001.
During this time, he became the 38th premier of NSW, from 1992 to 1995, with the introduction of the Seniors Card considered one of his greatest achievements.
After losing the state election, he jumped to federal politics in 1996 as the Member for Macarthur, serving as Finance Minister.
But it was his leap for joy in 1993 after Sydney won the bid to host the 2000 Olympic Games that will be forever etched in the minds of most Australians.
His quick thinking and courage to protect Prince Charles from an attack would also be remembered, with the future king thanking Mr Fahey for his bravery at yesterday’s funeral.
NSW Governor Margaret Beazley read a heartfelt condolence letter from the Prince of Wales in which he wrote: “Coming to my assistance, as he so valiantly did, on that Darling Harbour stage on Australia Day 1994, John demonstrated not only characteristic selflessness and valour, but also the hallmark athleticism of a former rugby league player.
“I was as fortunate to have him on my side that day as the people of NSW were to have him on theirs.”
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