Vale Professor Dame Marie Bashir
The AMA is saddened by the passing of Professor Dame Marie Bashir, a distinguished Australian who has been described as a “national treasure and role model for psychiatrists”.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns released a statement on Tuesday evening describing her as an “extraordinary Australian” and one of the state’s most respected public servants.
Professor Bashir, who was an Australian Medical Association (NSW) member for more than 64 years, was a clinical psychiatrist after gaining degrees in medicine and surgery from the University of Sydney in 1956.
She worked in the fields of children’s services, psychiatry, mental health and Indigenous health.
Professor Bashir was named a Dame of the Order of Australia in 2014 for her contributions to administration, public life and the people of NSW, as well as her work in medicine, mental health and with young people, the marginalised and disadvantaged.
Professor Patrick McGorry AO, a former Australian of the Year, described Professor Bashir as a “national treasure and role model for psychiatrists”.
Professor Bashir was the first woman appointed Governor of NSW, a post she held from 2001 until 2014.
AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said Professor Bashir exemplified the values of compassion, service and leadership that underpin the medical profession.
“We extend our sincere condolences to Professor Bashir’s family, colleagues and all those whose lives were enriched by her work,” she said.