Dame Marie Bashir, the first female governor of NSW, has died aged 95.
NSW Premier Chris Minns described Bashir as “an extraordinary Australian and one of New South Wales’ most respected public servants”, adding that a state funeral would be held for the “deeply loved mother of three children and six grandchildren”.
“On behalf of the people of New South Wales, I extend my deepest condolences to Dame Marie’s family, friends and all those who were inspired by her remarkable life,” Minns said.
A clear trailblazer, Bashir was also the first person of Lebanese descent to be appointed NSW governor and the third woman to be appointed governor of an Australian state.
Bashir held the position of NSW Premier for 14 years, from 2001 to 2014, with Minns saying she was widely respected and chose not to extend her tenure at the time so as not to surpass Sir Roden Cutler as the longest-serving governor.
“It was a decision that reflected her humility and deep respect for those who came before her,” Minns said.
“The people of New South Wales held Dame Marie in great respect and affection, reflecting the trust and goodwill she earned over a lifetime of service.”
Along with her political career, she was a distinguished psychiatrist and an advocate for mental health, education and social inclusion.
She was married to former Sydney lord mayor Sir Nicholas Shehadie AC OBE for 61 years, until his death in 2018.
In 1988, Bashir was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for her services to child and adolescent health, and was invested by Her Majesty, the Queen, with the insignia of a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) in 2006.
In June 2014, Professor Bashir was named as a Dame of the Order of Australia for extraordinary and pre-eminent achievement and merit in service.
Offering condolences as well, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on social media that “our nation is poorer for the passing of Dame Marie Bashir and Australia is richer for her life”.
“Her lifetime of service to the medical profession, her community and her fellow Australians was defined by her powerful sense of duty and her abiding passion for helping others,” said Albanese, adding that Bashir was “both a pioneer and an inspiration”.