Raff Ciccone (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today in the Senate in memory of a Labor true believer, patriot and friend to many. Her name was Faye Dapiran, a woman whose contribution to this parliament was matched only by the generosity of her spirit. Faye passed away last year in September, surrounded by family and close friends. She was a caring mother, a devoted grandmother and a cherished sister, aunt and friend.

I came to know Faye while working for the former member for Chisholm, Anna Burke. She was a thoughtful and considerate individual. When my mother passed away in 2005, Faye offered comfort without fuss and strength without judgement. In moments of grief, it's often the quiet kindness of others that sustains us, and Faye embodied that kindness. I will be forever grateful.

She was a very proud Labor woman, shaped by the great movements of the 1960s and 1970s through opposition to the Vietnam War, a commitment to civil rights and a belief in fairness and collective responsibility. She lived these values through her lifelong service to the Labor movement, working for a number of Labor MPs, contributing to election campaigns and, of course, participating in ALP branches.

For Faye, Labor values were lived daily through her loyalty and care for others. She also brought warmth and humour to the workplace. She was a devoted Geelong Football Club supporter, and it's fair to say we enjoyed many exchanges about the footy—she with confidence in the Cats and me defending the Collingwood Magpies.

Faye's life reminds us that public service is not only about policy and process but also about people, compassion, decency and care. Today I want to honour her service and offer my heartfelt condolences to her loved ones and to all those whose lives she touched. Vale, Faye.