Victoria Don't miss out on the headlines from Victoria. Followed categories will be added to My News. Leading feminist Fay Marles, Melbourne’s University’s first female chancellor and mother of the deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, has died aged 98.
Melbourne University announced her passing on Saturday and remembered her as a “pioneer” who “changed the face of Victorian workplaces and their accessibility for women” in the 70s and 80s after becoming the state’s first Equal Opportunity Commissioner in 1977. “With the wishes of her family, The University of Melbourne has the sad duty to announce the death of Fay Marles AM,” the university’s statement said. “Fay passed away yesterday evening in Melbourne with her children having spent the day beside her.
“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. “Fay will be deeply missed by the University community and the very many people whose lives she touched.” Ms Marles was a fierce advocate for the right of women to take their place in Australia’s workforce.
Mrs Marles became the University’s first female deputy chancellor in 1986 - the same year she left her historic role as the Equal Opportunity Commissioner - and served as Chancellor from 2001 to 2004. The University said she did “groundbreaking” work during her time at the University, and Mrs Marles was made a member of the Order of Australia in 198.