Vale John Kerin AO
Western Sydney University pays tribute to the Honourable John Kerin AO, who passed away on Wednesday 29 March.
Mr Kerin made a significant contribution to the nation across a distinguished career in public service.
He was Australia’s longest serving Minister for Primary Industry (1983-91) and the Federal Member for Macarthur (1973-75) then Werriwa (1978-93), both in Sydney’s south-west. Mr Kerin took the seat of Werriwa in the by-election caused by the retirement of the Honourable Gough Whitlam AC QC.
A strong advocate for education, Mr Kerin also played a crucial role in advancing higher education in south-west Sydney and substantially contributed to the formative years of this University. He served our University as Chair of the UWS Macarthur Council prior to the University’s unification (1994-2000), and, thereafter, as a Deputy Chancellor (2000-03).
Mr Kerin’s outstanding service to the University and to the region was recognised with an Honorary Doctorate of Letters in 1995. He is fondly remembered by many across our community as a highly regarded political leader and strong friend and supporter of this University who helped shape the institution that we know today.
The University community extends its sincere condolences to Mr Kerin’s family and his many friends and colleagues.
ENDS
30 March 2023
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