Page 710 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 1 May 2007
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As a member of the AFP’s Senior Executive, Audrey was a full time member of the AFP’s Executive Management Board. It is here that Audrey was making her most meaningful contributions to the AFP.
Audrey could deal with both the substance and the vision of the strategic thinking of the AFP’s Executive Management Board. Her ability to provide timely and meaningful input into setting the direction of the AFP impressed us all.
In addition to the formal roles, Audrey would often take the time to involve herself in other activities in support of the organisation and the senior management team. Her role as the ‘Bow’ in the executive’s first attempt at a corporate rowing regatta was typical of her commitment to the executive team when balancing her role as mother and Chief Police Officer. Without saying a word Audrey demonstrated to the rest of us that style and timing will win over brute strength every time.
Audrey never let an opportunity to participate in executive activities pass her by, which is why her popularity remained until her untimely passing on Friday 20 April, 2007.
Audrey quietly, but effectively, engaged all kinds of people, whether in the AFP or outside, and never forgot those who were facing their own personal challenges. Gwen Winchester, the wife of former Assistant Commissioner Colin Winchester, writes that ‘Audrey made a point of keeping in touch with my family on a regular basis with afternoon teas in her office and Peter and I were invited recently to view a plaque in the foyer of the Winchester Centre.’
Assistant Commissioner Audrey Fagan leaves a legacy as an outstanding senior executive of the AFP who was also a mentor and caring leader and a role model for both women and men in the Australian Federal Police as well as the wider law enforcement community.
MS MacDONALD (Brindabella): Mr Speaker, in the last week and a half we have all been shocked by the death of Audrey Fagan, and I think that at some point all of us have had one question run through our head: why?
I want to say a few words that are specifically for Audrey’s daughter, Clair Phillips. As I said, we have all been struggling to understand this loss. As the days pass, our thoughts of Audrey will be fewer; we will move on with our lives. But you, Clair, are soon to embark on your adult life and you will take your mother with you in your heart for the rest of your life. For a long time, that love in your heart will hurt beyond belief, and at times you may think that it is too much to bear.
Clair, when I was 16 my father died. I never had to share my grief at his sudden death in such a public way. I think that you are the bravest girl in the whole world for sharing your thoughts last Friday. I can tell you one thing, though, Clair: some 21 years and seven months after my dad’s death, I still miss him and I think of him every day.
My reason for telling you this is to let you know that, while you will miss your mum, you will be able to live the life of happiness that she wants for you. There will always
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