"He recently negotiated a $100 million deal and is not taking any dementia medication," Paula Fox said, directly refuting recent media reports about her husband's health.
Paula Fox has publicly denied reports that her husband, Linfox founder Lindsay Fox, has dementia, while also providing details about family leadership changes. Concurrently, she was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia for her philanthropic work.
Leadership Transition and Family Statements
Paula Fox stated that her husband, Lindsay Fox, 89, does not have dementia. She noted that he recently negotiated a $100 million deal and is not taking any dementia medication. She acknowledged that he occasionally forgets minor details and has leg issues requiring a wheelchair at times.
She described the decision to replace her eldest son, Peter Fox, as executive chairman of the logistics arm as a family decision, not one made solely by his brothers Andrew and David. Peter Fox, 63, is stepping down due to health issues as the company transitions to independent chairs for operational divisions. Paula Fox said Peter Fox has not worked for seven months, will continue to receive his salary, and will remain a non-executive director.
Paula Fox attributed the reports of dementia to an unidentified source close to her son Peter and criticized them as false. She declined to name the person she believes is providing information to the media and expressed a desire to discuss the situation with Peter Fox. Dennis Richardson, a former defence department secretary, has become permanent interim chairman for Australian operations. Former union chief and long-time family adviser Bill Kelty returned to assist with Armaguard, the family's cash transport business.
"The decision to replace Peter was a family decision, not one made solely by his brothers," Paula Fox clarified.
Lindsay Fox founded Linfox as a trucking company 70 years ago. His net worth is estimated at $5.7 billion. Paula and Lindsay Fox are currently in Europe and plan to spend 10 weeks there on their superyacht.
Philanthropic Recognition and Work
Paula Fox, 87, was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for her philanthropic contributions to the arts, medical research, and children's causes. Businessman Gerry Ryan described her as a "tenacious giver."
Her early philanthropic initiatives focused on local causes in St Kilda, including:
- Very Special Kids: A paediatric palliative care service, for which she lobbied former premier Jeff Kennett to secure a former psychiatric hospital building.
- Sacred Heart Mission: Located on the site of her former primary school.
More recently, she has been involved in two major Melbourne projects:
- NGV Contemporary (“The Fox”): A modern gallery set to open in 2028. The Fox family pledged an initial $100 million towards the project.
- Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre: Opened in 2024 at The Alfred hospital, inspired by her personal experience with skin cancer. It houses a $24 million Quadra PET scanner, the first in a Victorian public hospital.
Fox’s daughters, Lisa and Katrina, oversee the family's philanthropic interests. All six Fox children serve as trustees of the Fox Family Foundation, which made $12 million in donations in the past year.