‘Humble, courageous’ John Fahey farewelled at state funeral

John Fahey’s daughter has told a congregation of prime ministers and premiers of the ‘fearless leader’ who gave his family ‘safety’.

John Fahey’s wife Colleen, centre, leaves St Mary’s Cathedral behind her husband’s coffin. Picture: NCA NewsWire/POOL/Bianca De Marchi

Former Premier of NSW John Fahey was a “fearless leader” who provided his family with “safety” and “strength,” his daughter has told his state funeral.

In a service at St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney, Mr Fahey, who died on September 12 age 75, was farewelled by former and current prime ministers, premiers and business leaders along with his family.

Mr Fahey’s daughter, Melanie Fahey-Cicala, who lives in the US, was unable to attend the funeral. But in a recorded tribute, she told her late father: “I am never prouder to be one of your daughters than I am today.

“Despite you urging me to find my happiness in America now more than ever there is no place like home,” she said.

“We will continue to love you deeply and remember all of your fantastic ways.”

Ms Fahey-Cicala said her Dad had bestowed a love of music in her, including folk rock duo Simon & Garfunkel.

“You gave me your ... love of music,” she said.

“The Beatles, the Stones, Neil Diamond, Enya, Dire Straits, U2 and the beautiful Simon & Garfunkel.

“Especially their song ‘The Boxer’, one of your favourites more poignant now than ever.

“A line from their song is ‘I am leaving, I am leaving but the fighter still remains’.

“We will fight on for you Dad always.”

Former PM John Howard, former Premier Nick Greiner and Premier Gladys Berejiklian inside St Mary’s Cathedral. Picture: Nick Moir.

Former Prime Minister John Howard said Mr Fahey had achieved “something few in Australian politics have achieved”.

“That was to make a full success of participation in both state and federal politics,” Mr Howard said.

Mr Howard said he had no “hesitation” in appointing Mr Fahey to the senior portfolio of Minister for Finance.

“How could you pass over somebody who had been the premier of the largest state in the commonwealth for a senior portfolio,” he said.

“And John relished the task.”

Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher told the congregation Mr Fahey had demonstrated a “knight’s courage and ideals” in his battle against leukaemia which he ultimately lost earlier in September when he died aged 75.

Colleen Fahey and family members arrive at St Mary's Cathedral, in Sydney.

The Prince of Wales offered his memory of Mr Fahey via a letter of condolence read to the congregation.

“It was with great sadness I learned of the death of the honourable John Fahey,” a letter from Prince Charles read.

The 0rder of Service at the State funeral. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi

“John’s service to NSW and to Australia was as rich and varied as it was distinguished and his integrity and strength of character, was I know, greatly admired across the political divide.

“John strove to improve the lives of Australians and his legacy will endure for generations.”

Scott Morrison and wife Jenny arrive at the State funeral. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi.

Scott Morrison and his wife Jenny attended the service, as did NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and former prime ministers John Howard, Malcolm Turnbull and Tony Abbott.

Gladys Berejiklian arrives. Picture: NCA NewsWire/POOL/Bianca De Marchi.

Malcolm Turnbull arrives at St Mary’s Cathedral. Picture: NCA NewsWire/POOL/Bianca De Marchi

In a speech by Archbishop Fisher, the Prime Minister remembered Mr Fahey not just for winning the bid to host the 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games but for his dedication to catholicism throughout the black summer bushfires.

“Prime Minister Scott Morrison remembers Premier Fahey not just for his innocent antics on winning the Olympics bid,” Archbishop Fisher said.

“But also for his quiet faith as he knelt in this cathedral while fires ravaged NSW.”

Archbishop Fisher described Mr Fahey as a “humble, courageous and principled man who had a soft heart to temper a hard head”.

Archbishop Anthony Fisher with Colleen Fahey Picture; Nick Moir.

Governor-General David Hurley attended the service as did former NSW premier Nick Greiner, Kristina Keneally and Bob Carr.

Australian Olympic Committee President John Coates and broadcaster Alan Jones also appeared at the service.

Mr Fahey was the NSW Premier from 1992 – 1995 after he was elected as State Member for Camden in 1984.

In 1996 he moved to federal politics elected to the House of Representatives for Macarthur and served as Finance Minister in the Howard Government. He spent 17 years in politics before he retired in 2001.

Mr Fahey was instrumental in securing the bid for the 2000 Sydney Olympic and Paralympic Games.

John Fahey’s granddaughter Amber Fahey touches his coffin after addressing the congregation. Picture: Nick Moir