John Fahey, the former Premier of NSW and President of the World Anti-Doping Authority, has died at the age of 75.
In a statement this morning, current NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, paid tribute to Fahey and offered his family the option of a state funeral for the former Premier and later Federal Finance Minister.
Born in New Zealand in 1945, he migrated to NSW as a boy and later qualified as a lawyer. Elected an MP in 1984, he became NSW Premier in 1992, a position he held until 1995. In 1996, Fahey moved to Federal politics, becoming the MP for Macarthur and serving as a minister during John Howard’s government.
A lifelong sports lover, he chaired the committee responsible for the preparation, submission and presentation of the successful Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games bid. He later chaired the Australian Rugby League Development Board and was patron of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, having previously been a rugby league player and coach.
Premier Berejiklian stated “under Premier Fahey’s leadership, important achievements included the introduction of the Disability Services Act, the NSW senior’s card and the first NSW Minister for the Status of Women.
“Many of us would remember the celebrations that immediately swept the nation after Sydney was announced as the host of the 2000 Olympics - and the image of Mr Fahey jumping for joy at the news.
“My thoughts are with John’s wife Colleen, his children and grandchildren. I have spoken to Colleen to pass on my condolences and offer a state memorial service.”
After retiring from politics in 2001, Fahey was WADA President from 2007 to 2013, and as the Chancellor of the Australian Catholic University from 2014 until his death.
A statement issued by WADA advised “Mr Fahey served WADA with distinction as the organization’s second President, from 2008-13, having succeeded Richard Pound in the position.
“During his term, he built a number of key partnerships that have stood the test of time, particularly with the pharmaceutical industry and with law enforcement agencies around the world, including INTERPOL. These partnerships have given WADA an edge when it comes to the identification of new substances that may have a performance-enhancing effect, and with the sharing of intelligence for targeted testing programs and investigations.
“He brought that wealth of knowledge and experience in the complex worlds of politics and sport to his role as President of WADA and, as a bridge-builder, he executed the duties of that position with fairness, diplomacy and integrity.”
WADA Director General Olivier Niggli went on to say “John was a marvellous President and an outstanding person. He had very strong values and always acted in the best interests of WADA and clean sport. He felt strongly about making sure that the partnership between all stakeholders worked well for the system and the athletes. He was a true leader, statesman and gentleman, and he will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him and worked with him at WADA.
“On behalf of everyone who has served on WADA’s Foundation Board and various Committees, as well as management and staff, past and present, I want to pass on our condolences to John’s wife, Colleen, their extended family and wide circle of colleagues and friends. May he rest in peace.”
He memorably crash-tackled protester David Kang, who shot blank rounds from a starter’s pistol at Prince Charles during a visit to Sydney in 1994.
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.
Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.
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