Our Patron

Our Patron, The Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, Minister for Indigenous Australians

Ken Wyatt has a strong Noongar, Yamatji and Wongi heritage and is the first self-identifying Indigenous Australian elected to the Australian House of Representatives, and the third elected to the Parliament.

Prior to entering Parliament, Ken was a primary school teacher for 16 years before serving as senior public servant in the fields of Indigenous health and education. He has held positions as Director of Aboriginal Education with the WA Department of Education and Director of the WA Office of Aboriginal Health as well as a similar post with NSW Health.

In 1996 Ken was honoured to receive an Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List and in 2000 The Centenary of Federation Medal for his efforts and contribution in the fields of education, health and Aboriginal Affairs.

Ken believes that education and access to the knowledge society involves life-long learning and is the key to change and making informed decisions of choice. He is passionate and strongly committed to working towards achieving better outcomes and opportunities for Indigenous Australians and Australian society marked by justice, legitimacy and integrity and has done much to anchor a commitment among many to supporting those essential virtues.