Ken Wyatt has a strong Noongar, Yamatji and Wongi heritage and believes that education and access to the knowledge society involves life-long learning and is the key to change and making informed decisions of choice.
Ken commenced his working career as a primary school teacher for 16 years before moving into leadership roles in the Public Sector, including Director of Aboriginal Education and Director Schools Swan Education District WA Department of Education and as Director of Aboriginal Health in Western Australia and New South Wales. He also held the position of Pro Chancellor of Edith Cowan University and served for ten years as a member of the WA Equal Opportunity Commission Tribunal.
Ken co-chaired the COAG Indigenous Health Working Group, achieving a $1.6 billion commitment from all jurisdictions to improve Indigenous Health outcomes.
In 1996 he was honoured to receive an Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List and in 2000 The Centenary of Federation Medal for his efforts and contribution in the fields of education, health and Aboriginal Affairs.
Ken is passionate and strongly committed to working towards achieving better outcomes and opportunities for Indigenous Australians and Australian society marked by justice, legitimacy and integrity and he has done much to anchor a commitment among many to supporting those essential virtues.
Ken’s experience and working relationships with families and community groups has provided him with a good understanding of the needs of others.