Former NSW premier John Fahey dead at 75

The New Zealand-born politician helped deliver major reforms for NSW during his time as leader.

Former NSW premier John Fahey has died, aged 75. Picture: Damian Shaw

Former NSW Premier John Fahey has died at the age 75.

The New Zealand-born politician helped deliver major reforms for NSW during his time as leader of the state government from 1992-1995, including the introduction of the Disability Services Act, the NSW Seniors Card and the first Minister for the Status of Women.

Fahey was also instrumental in securing Sydney’s bid to host the Olympic Games in 2000 and courageously protected Prince Charles from an attack on Australia Day in 1994.

In 1996 he made the move to federal politics, elected to the House of Representatives for Macarthur where he served as Finance Minister for the Howard government.

Fahey pictured in Sydney in 2007.

He dedicated 17 years of his life to politics before retiring in 2001.

Current NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Saturday said she was “grateful for John’s support and encouragement”.

“He has always been a wonderful role model to generations of Liberals,” Ms Berejiklian said in a statement.

“His contribution to the state and nation will leave a lasting legacy.”

Another former state premier, Kristina Keneally, sent her condolences to Fahey’s family.

“As a NSW Premier, a federal minister, and later as President of the World Anti-Doping Authority and Chancellor of Australian Catholic University, John led a life of generous public service,” Ms Keneally said on Twitter.

Fahey is survived by his wife Colleen and their children and grandchildren.

Federal Labor leader Anthony Albanese has remembered Fahey as a “very decent Australian”.

“He was humble...he was someone of principle, someone who was always courteous, and someone who I had the pleasure of serving in the national Parliament with,” Mr Albanese said on Saturday.

Fahey at the site of one of Syndey’s under-construction Olympics venues.

“He’s someone who came from - had a diverse background. Played footy, of course, for Canterbury. He was someone who always treated people with respect. My condolences (to his family) and to all of his many close friends. He’s someone who will be dearly missed.”

Mr Albanese said he didn’t think Fahey had any enemies in the federal parliament.

“And that says a lot about his character,” Mr Albanese said.

“He was always very open to a discussion, including about rugby league. I’m, of course, a South Sydney tragic, and I’m always happy to talk about rugby league with anyone.”

Fahey’s predecessor as state Premier Nick Greiner has remembered him as a “very authentic, humble guy who was a terrific leader”.

“He had that sort of common touch,” Mr Greiner told ABC News on Saturday.

“He really was an unusually broad person in terms of his relationships with society. And that’s why, of course, he was able to do so many different things so well. Despite having some real health problems, including losing a lung, he went on to lead in sport, leading the World Anti-Doping Agency, and more recently leading the Australian Catholic Universities. So, it really is a tremendous range of achievements. And I think one of the things you could say is that almost everyone liked him, even his opponents.”

Former Liberal senator Arthur Sinadinos said Fahey had “endured illness and family tragedy with fortitude and relentless optimism”.

“Could tell a good yarn, too,” Mr Sinadinos said on Twitter.

Olympic sports administrator John Coates said Fahey had made a mjor contribution to ensure integrity in global sport through his role as president of the World Anti-Doping Agency.

“This is a very sad day, particularly as we approach the 20 year anniversary of the Sydney Olympics,” Mr Coates said.

“Aside from all John’s considerable achievements in politics and personally, his contribution to the Olympic movement in Australia was immense.

“His drive and commitment was absolutely crucial in Sydney winning the bid to host the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and Australia owes him an enormous debt of gratitude for that alone.

“John will always be a big part of the Sydney 2000 success story, and as we prepare to celebrate 20 years since those Games began, it is very sad to think he cannot mark that milestone with us.”