Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

on indulgence—I rise to pay my respect on the death last Friday evening of Fay Marles. Fay Marles showed us what a trailblazer truly is. She made a real difference. Crucially, she made a lasting difference for women in particular, but ultimately for the nation.

Fay was appointed Victoria's first Commissioner of Equal Opportunity, in 1977, following the Hamer government's introduction of the Equal Opportunities Act. She was the first woman to become deputy chancellor of the University of Melbourne, in 1986. Fay was the first woman to become chancellor of the University of Melbourne, in 2001. Fay was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1986. She was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women, for her leadership and dedication to human rights, in 2010.

Throughout her 98 years, Fay led a life that was full and complete and was about compassion for others and making a difference. This is from Melbourne university's statement:

Fay Marles was a leading feminist in Victoria and a fierce advocate for the right of women to take their place in Australia's workforce.

To my friend the Deputy Prime Minister and all of the Marles family, on behalf of the parliament, we express our sincerest condolences on your loss. May Fay Marles AM rest in peace.

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