From page to pool to parliament: QUT celebrates eight new honorary doctorates
Beloved Brisbane author Trent Dalton, champion swim coach Laurie Lawrence AO and former federal MPs Dr The Honourable Mary Crawford AM and Ufficiale The Honourable Teresa Gambaro are among eight distinguished recipients of QUT honorary doctorates.
The university conferred the honours across a series of graduation ceremonies, acknowledging exceptional contributions to literature, elite sport, public policy, law, business, engineering and community service.
Speaking at a ceremony on Tuesday 16 December, Dr Dalton said studying journalism and creative writing at QUT was the time of his life.
“Receiving this honorary doctorate from QUT is, quite simply, the honour of my lifetime,” he said.
The 2025 recipients also include Queensland’s first female Attorney-General, Linda Lavarch, the founder of one of Australia’s largest privately owned construction and urban development companies, and a global leader in engineering innovation.
QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil congratulated the recipients, describing them as real-world leaders who embody the university’s values of ambition, curiosity, integrity, inclusiveness and innovation.
“These extraordinary people have shaped Australia’s cultural, civic, academic and industrial landscape,” Professor Sheil said.
“With bold innovation and creativity, they have reshaped how we understand and engage with the world. We are proud to honour their achievements and enduring impact.”
The 2025 QUT Honorary Doctorate recipients are:
Trent Dalton
One of Australia’s most celebrated contemporary authors and journalists, Trent Dalton’s debut novel Boy Swallows Universe became a cultural phenomenon, adapted for stage and Netflix. His subsequent books have cemented him as one of Australia’s most treasured writers.
Laurie Lawrence AO
Champion swim coach and public health advocate, Laurie Lawrence AO is known for his Olympic coaching achievements and the national ‘Kids Alive – Do the Five’ drowning prevention campaign.
Dr The Honourable Mary Crawford AM
Former federal MP, academic and gender equality advocate, Dr The Honourable Mary Crawford AM has influenced national policy in education, childcare, housing and disability services.
Linda Lavarch
Trailblazing former Queensland Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Linda Lavarch was recognised for her reform work in community justice and support for vulnerable people.
Mick Power AM
Founder of BMD Group and an influential business and community leader, Mick Power AM is known for his major contributions to construction, sport, medical research and philanthropy.
Adjunct Professor Peter Howes
Long-time supporter of student equity through the Howes Family Scholarship, Adjunct Professor Peter Howes is a distinguished leader in workforce analytics and planning, having shaped the field of human resources metrics.
Ufficiale The Honourable Teresa Gambaro
Former federal MP, Ufficiale The Honourable Teresa Gambaro is a distinguished leader whose 17-year career shaped national policy in immigration, foreign affairs and defence. She is a champion for women’s political leadership and in 2017 was awarded a Knighthood of the Italian Republic.
Volker Richter
A champion of industry-academia collaboration, Volker Richter is a globally respected leader in automotive engineering and innovation, whose longstanding engagement with QUT has significantly enriched the university community.
Main photo: Brisbane author Trent Dalton was officially conferred as an Honorary Doctor at QUT.
Media contact:
Lauren Baxter
QUT Media
07 3138 2361 / 0407 585 901 (After Hours)
