A trailblazer in Australian politics, who broke new ground when he became the first Indigenous Australian to be elected to the House of Representatives, has a new role at The University of Western Australia’s Public Policy Institute.

The Honourable Ken Wyatt AM JP, who served as the Member for Hasluck in Federal Parliament from 2010 to 2022, has been appointed an Adjunct Professor of Practice at UWA PPI for three years.

“It is both a great honour and a genuine privilege to serve as an Adjunct Professor of Practice and Chair of the UWA Public Policy Institute,” Mr Wyatt said.

“I am proud to contribute to an institution that is committed to shaping public policy outcomes that strengthen our society, support inclusive economic growth and create lasting benefits for future generations.”

Mr Wyatt served as Australia's first Minister for Indigenous Australians, Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Assistant Minister for Health and  Aged Care, and Minister for Indigenous Health.

Associate Professor Paul Maginn, the Director of UWA PPI, said Mr Wyatt brought extensive knowledge of management and leadership across the public, private and political sectors.

“His expertise has contributed to international and national policy, program design and strategic planning and this insight will serve PPI to make real-world impacts on pressing social, economic and political issues,” Associate Professor Maginn said.

In 2023, Mr Wyatt was appointed Chair of UWA PPI International Advisory Board replacing the Hon. Professor Stephen Smith, who stepped down after being appointed to the Defence Strategic Review and taking up the role of Australia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.