Former NSW premier John Fahey has died at the age of 75.
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Mr Fahey, who was also a former federal government finance minister, was elected as Camden MP in 1984.
He had migrated from New Zealand as a child and moved to Sydney's south-west.
Mr Fahey served as premier between 1992 and 1995 before moving to federal politics as Macarthur MP the following year. He was finance minister in John Howard's government before his retirement from politics in 2001.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said in a statement on Saturday morning Mr Fahey's contribution to NSW and Australian politics would leave "a lasting legacy".
"My thoughts are with John's wife Colleen, his children and grandchildren. I have spoken to Colleen to pass on my condolences and offer a State Memorial Service," Ms Berejiklian said.
"Personally, I am grateful for John's support and encouragement. He has always been a wonderful role model to generations of Liberals. His contribution to the State and Nation will leave a lasting legacy."
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Mr Fahey played a key role in one of the biggest victories in NSW and Australian history - the successful bid for Sydney to host the Olympic Games in 2000.
"Many of us would remember the celebrations that immediately swept the nation after Sydney was announced as the winner - and the image of Mr Fahey jumping for joy at the news," the Premier said.
"History will also remember him as a brave man, for his quick-thinking and selfless action to protect Prince Charles from an attack on Australia Day in 1994."
Following his retirement from politics, Mr Fahey became president of the World Anti-Doping Agency and was later appointed as chancellor of the Australian Catholic University.
NSW Labor Leader Jodie McKay also paid her respects.
"John Fahey will be remembered as a person who always acted with the highest integrity throughout his nearly two decades in public life serving in both the NSW and Federal Parliaments," Ms McKay said in a statement.
"I support Premier Berejiklian's decision to offer the Fahey family a State Memorial Service in recognition of John Fahey's long and distinguished service to the people of NSW."
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