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WA Education Minister delivers special public lecture at Murdoch
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The Hon Dr Tony Buti MLA, Minister for Education, Aboriginal Affairs, Citizenship and Multicultural Interests, delivered the 50th anniversary edition of the public lecture named after Murdoch University’s namesake, Sir Walter Murdoch, last week.
Since our inauguration in 1974, Murdoch University has invited political, legal, foreign policy and community leaders to deliver the annual Sir Walter Murdoch Lecture on critical issues. Previous speakers have included Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG; the former High Court Justice, Hon Michael Kirby; Professor Peter Doherty; Baroness Professor Susan Greenfield; and Professor Lyn Beazley.
Dr Buti addressed an audience of staff, students, alumni and community members, reflecting on the significant achievements of both Murdoch and Wilson, their impact on Australian society, and their advocacy for justice and human rights.
“It is not every day that someone has a university named after them,” Dr Buti said.
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He noted that, in the early 1970s, the government elected to name the state’s proposed new university after Sir Walter Murdoch — one of four candidates who were considered for this honour. The treasurer, Kenneth Townsing, placed a phone call to Murdoch’s home.
“When Lady Murdoch answered, Townsing informed her that Premier Sir David Brand wished to speak to her,” he said.
“Brand informed her that they were seeking Sir Walter’s permission to name the new university after him.
“After several minutes, Lady Murdoch returned to the telephone and told the Premier that Sir Walter was deeply moved by the gesture and that he considered it a great honour.
In typical Murdoch directness and sardonic wit, he had added: ‘But it better be a good one’.” Dr Tony Buti MLA, WA Minister
Sir Walter Murdoch was willing to take up causes, ‘no matter the criticism it may attract’. In 1951 he forcefully opposed the Menzies government’s attempts to outlaw the Australian Communist Party through legislation, and, later through a national referendum. ‘If we punish anyone for breaking the law of the land…,’ wrote Sir Walter Murdoch, ‘that is justice; but if we punish anyone for holding opinions with which we disagree, that is persecution.’
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Image caption: Sir Walter Murdoc
Sir Walter Murdoch died in 1970, and so did not have a chance to be part of the foundation of the new university. Instead, Sir Ronald Wilson and others guided the direction of the University’s future.
Murdoch University, like its namesake, has always been open to the underdog, welcoming of all, and with a commitment to fostering closer links between the university and the community.” Dr Tony Buti MLA, WA Minister
Sir Ronald Wilson was the University’s second Chancellor, serving from 1980 in that role for 12 years.
“Wilson took his Murdoch University duties and responsibilities very seriously but ensured that the University Senate was run with good humour and free from pomposity.
“[He] was equally meticulous about his role at graduation ceremonies. He insisted on signing each certificate personally rather than using an impersonal but less onerous, automatic signature. He enjoyed attending graduation ceremonies.”
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Image caption: Sir Ronald Wilson. Captured 1989.
Wilson had a distinguished career as a war-time Spitfire pilot, Senior Crown Prosecutor, and was Western Australia's first High Court Justice. Dr Buti spoke about Wilson’s decisions that were often questioned, particularly in regard to the Aboriginal community.
“One such decision was his dissent in Mabo (No 1), which was decided 4:3, with Wilson again in dissent.”
Later though, Sir Ronald expressed his support for the recognition of native title and became an advocate of Indigenous rights. Following a landmark royal commission, he published the Bringing Them Home Report in 1997, which demonstrated the long-term practice — and consequences — of removing Aboriginal children from their families.
The power and impact of Bringing Them Home continues, as did Wilson’s advocacy for justice for the Stolen Generations and for reconciliation until he passed away at home in 2005.” Dr Tony Buti MLA, WA Minister
Dr Buti finished his lecture by congratulating Murdoch University on its significant milestone, and on the remarkable lives and legacies left behind by Murdoch and Wilson.
Visit our 50th anniversary website to learn more about our foundation, changemakers, impact, campus development, alumni, Art Collection and our connection to community.News
WA Education Minister delivers special public lecture at Murdoch
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