Vale Professor Dame Marie Bashir
22 Jan 2026
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns called her an “extraordinary Australian” and one of the state’s most respected public servants.
Professor Bashir, an AMA (NSW) member for over 64 years, trained in medicine and surgery at the University of Sydney, graduating in 1956. She dedicated her career to psychiatry, children’s services, mental health, and Indigenous health.
In 2014, she was appointed Dame of the Order of Australia for her contributions to public life, medicine, and her advocacy for young people and disadvantaged communities. She also served as the first female Governor of New South Wales from 2001 to 2014.
Professor Patrick McGorry AO, former Australian of the Year, said Professor Bashir was a “national treasure and role model for psychiatrists.”
AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said Professor Bashir embodied the values of compassion, service, and leadership central to medicine.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, colleagues, and all those whose lives she touched,” Dr McMullen said.
https://www.ama.com.au/
Source: Australian Medical Association
