After a long illness, Deborah Chemke passed away last night. 

Our first thoughts today are with Mark Dreyfus, her beloved husband of 44 years, their children Joe, Tom and Laura, and their grandchildren. 

Everyone who knows Mark knows he adored Deborah. She was his most trusted source of advice and his constant inspiration. Above all, she was Mark’s great love.

From a chance encounter on a Sydney beach grew an enduring relationship built on love, respect, admiration and profound devotion.

Deborah was a skilled linguist and a woman of great intelligence and inner strength. That she came to this country from her native Chile was very much Australia’s good fortune. 

No one considered themselves more fortunate than Mark. In each other they found their own universe.

All of us who count Mark as a friend know Deborah’s illness has been an incredibly difficult time for their family. Yet through it all Deborah, Mark and their loved ones showed extraordinary grace and courage. 

Our deepest sympathies to all who mourn for Deborah Chemke today. May you always carry the glow of her in your hearts.

And may she rest in eternal peace.