Page 706 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 1 May 2007
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We cannot ignore the stress of the job. I have touched on that before. Facing public scrutiny is tough. We are perhaps trained to do it. Maybe there are things to be learnt from this—for us, for people within the AFP and for other people working closely and trying to serve two or more masters. People do not always reach out for help. In like manner, you can lead a horse to water but you cannot make them drink. We must be diligent, vigilant.
I will leave it there, Mr Speaker. I did not quite catch your words, Chief Minister, but I understand that there will be a legacy left in some official way. I absolutely applaud you for that. I think that is marvellous. I think the family can be encouraged by that.
Today, I stand here to offer my deepest condolences to Audrey’s family at this difficult time, and to say, “Audrey, do rest in peace. Audrey, we will not forget you.”
MS GALLAGHER (Molonglo—Minister for Health, Minister for Children and Young People, Minister for Disability and Community Services, Minister for Women): We have all been deeply saddened by the passing of Audrey Fagan, the first female chief police officer in the ACT. Our thoughts are with her family; her partner, Chris; her daughter Clair; her stepchildren; her friends; and her colleagues, particularly in ACT Policing. The ACT community is mourning the loss of a great woman and a great leader, a person of talent and integrity, a person highly respected amongst her colleagues and peers.
I would like to particularly pay tribute to Audrey’s achievement in being a prominent and inspiring female leader. Audrey was a woman who showed dedication, passion, perseverance and commitment in both her personal and professional lives. Her perseverance is apparent in the fact that Audrey served her community as a police officer for 24 years, climbing from the ranks of walking the beat in her early days to serving as chief of staff for Commissioner Keelty and ultimately becoming Chief Police Officer of the ACT.
Audrey achieved great success in a profession traditionally dominated by men. Today the ACT public service is around 67 per cent female. In comparison, currently about 30 per cent of ACT Policing personnel are women, with the proportion dropping significantly for sworn officers on active duty. Audrey’s achievements are even more remarkable when viewed against this background.
We should also celebrate Audrey’s balanced approach to her professional and personal lives. She was a keen advocate of work-life balance, even for those in high ranking positions. She valued quality time with her family and time out generally from the ongoing commitments and pressures of her demanding job. She left an indelible mark by inspiring women to aspire to the highest ranks and believe in their ability to lead, and she inspired all members of the community, no matter what their gender, to reach their potential irrespective of any barrier in their way.
Audrey was very involved in reducing barriers for the next generation of female leaders. She was committed to increasing the presence of police in the ACT and encouraging young women to join a traditional, male-dominated profession. Others have spoken of her career pathway through the Australian Federal Police, but Audrey
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