Former WA Member of Federal Parliament Hon. Ken Wyatt AM JP has been appointed Chair of the International Advisory Board of The University of Western Australia’s Public Policy Institute.

He replaces the Hon. Professor Stephen Smith, who stepped down in September after being appointed to the Defence Strategic Review and taking up the role of Australia’s next High Commissioner to the UK in 2023.

The UWA Public Policy Institute provides informed leadership and expertise to maximise the policy impact of UWA research in WA, nationally and within the Indian Ocean region.

Through public events, private roundtables, published policy reports and training workshops, the Institute bridges evidence-based academic research and the needs of government, business and the public.

Ken Wyatt was the first Indigenous Australian elected to the House of Representatives, serving as the Member for Hasluck from 2010 to 2022 in Federal Parliament and appointed Minister for Indigenous Australians between 2019 and 2022.

He has a long track record engaged in senior level discussion on national government policy that affects the lives of many millions of Australians.

“I am excited to be joining UWA’s Public Policy Institute and to work with visionary leaders on strategic reform initiatives,” Mr Wyatt said.

“Good public policy is designed to influence governments, the corporate sector and our community on changes required to achieve better outcomes for Australia and our region.”

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Anna Nowak said UWA’s reputation as a trusted source of information was bolstered by the high calibre of leadership the University attracted.

“Our researchers are working at the front line with policymakers to improve health outcomes, protect our oceans and delve into our State’s rich history,” Professor Nowak said.

“I look forward to Ken Wyatt contributing to the future strategic direction of the Institute.”

Director of the UWA Public Policy Institute, Professor Shamit Saggar, said Mr Wyatt joined at what is an opportunity-laden time for public policy in Australia.

“In particular, the Institute will be watching the Voice to Parliament closely and plans to bring discussions into the public realm about what it means to be Australian and what such constitutional changes would mean for our next generation and for Australia’s global reputation,” Professor Saggar said.