Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Executive Dean of Law, Professor Michael Lavarch, has been appointed an Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia within the 2012 Australia Day Honours.
Professor Lavarch was presented the Award for distinguished service to the law and legal education, particularly in the areas of Native Title, Human Rights and Constitutional Law, as an educator through roles with professional organisations, and to the community.
Professor Lavarch said that the official recognition was a great personal honour, but more importantly, reflected the work of the organisations and individuals that he had worked with over the last 30 years. He also stressed the enormous support he had received from his family.
"Few achievements are the work of one person alone, but represent the collective effort of many people," he said.
"I have been fortunate to work in government, with business and community organisations, and the QUT, and this award is really a recognition of the great work of these organisations."
Professor Lavarch said that he felt most personal satisfaction for his contribution in Human Rights and legal education.
"As Federal Attorney-General, I commenced the enquiry into the Stolen Generation which led to the Bringing Them Home report and the national apology by Prime Minister Rudd," he said.
"I think these are milestone events in Australian history and I am proud to have played a small part in the process.
"At the QUT, I have led Australia's largest law faculty and one of the country's best law and criminology teaching and research programs. Being able to contribute to the next generation of lawyers and criminal justice professionals has been a wonderful experience."
Professor Lavarch has had a deep engagement with the QUT, having undertaken his undergraduate law degree at the University and starting his political career as a 20 year old while still studying, when he was elected to local government.
When elected in 1982 to the Pine Rivers Shire Council, he was at the time the youngest Australian ever to hold an elected office, and became Australia's youngest-ever Federal Cabinet Minister when appointed Attorney-General at age 31 by Prime Minister Paul Keating.
Professor Lavarch has held a range of senior positions, including being the Secretary-General of the Law Council of Australia, Chair of the Financial Ombudsman Service and a Director of the Australian Energy Market Operator. He has held the position of Executive Dean of the QUT Faculty of Law since 2004.
RELATED ARTICLES:
QUT Vice-Chancellor awarded Order of Australia
Media contact: Rose Trapnell, QUT media officer, 07 3138 2999 or rose.trapnell@qut.edu.au
