Honorary Doctor of Science
Citation delivered by Senior Professor Eileen McLaughlin, Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research and Sustainable Futures) at the University of Wollongong on the occasion of the admission of Kay Christine Lesley Patterson as a Doctor of Science (honoris causa) on 30 October 2024.
Deputy-Chancellor, I present to you the Honourable Dr Kay Patterson AO.
It is said that the measure of a society is how well it treats its most vulnerable members. Dr Patterson's distinguished career reflects a life dedicated to this pursuit, through her exceptional contributions in academia, public service, and advocacy.
In 1963, Dr Patterson was one of 25 young women from nine countries selected to attend an international Girl Scouts event in Mexico, fully funded by the Girl Scouts of the USA. This transformative experience instilled in her values that would guide her throughout her life and inspired her to return to education with renewed passion. Having left school at 15 she matriculated and completed a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Sydney, followed by a PhD in Psychology and a Diploma of Education from Monash University. During this time Dr Patterson’s growing passion for education saw her progress from a tutor at Monash through to Head of Department for Behavioural Sciences at the then Lincoln Institute of Health Sciences. Her decade-long academic career in allied health sciences fostered a passion for gerontology, leading her to co-develop Victoria's first postgraduate diploma in the field and integrate the discipline into undergraduate behavioural science courses. This impressive start laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to addressing the challenges of an ageing society.
Dr Patterson's passion, however, would not be limited to academia. In 1987, she was elected to the Senate and held key ministerial roles that shaped healthcare and social services across Australia. As Minister for Health and Ageing, Minister for Family and Community Services, and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women's Issues, Dr Patterson led initiatives that improved the welfare of all Australians, particularly the vulnerable. These included crucial reforms to Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, the establishment of family relationship centres, and increased assistance for families and carers. Dr Patterson's passionate advocacy for embryonic stem cell research supported legislation that enabled this groundbreaking field of study.
Following her retirement from politics in 2008, Dr Patterson pursued new ways of effecting positive change, lending her skills and experience to non-profits and community organisations, and serving as a Commissioner for the National Mental Health Commission from 2014 to 2016. In recognition of her exceptional national service, Dr Patterson was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2016.
Serving as Australia's Age Discrimination Commissioner from 2016 to 2023, Dr Patterson spearheaded transformative efforts to combat ageism and elder abuse. She was instrumental in establishing the National Elder Abuse phone line and campaigning for reforms in enduring power of attorney laws, protecting the autonomy and rights of older Australians. Dr Patterson’s Changing Perspectives project helped transform societal attitudes towards ageing by training over 300 aged care and community workers. This initiative empowered individuals to challenge ageist beliefs, creating a ripple effect of lasting change across workplaces and communities. Her advocacy also brought much-needed attention to the issue of older women at risk of homelessness, a hidden crisis that her work helped illuminate on a national scale. Dr Patterson's tireless advocacy to "make every age count" continues through her service as a Director of Every Age Counts, Patron for the Australian Institute for Intergenerational Practice and her roles as an ambassador and advisor on critical issues in ageing, including her work with UOW.
Dr. Patterson’s remarkable achievements, her profound commitment to education and lifelong dedication to public service and social advocacy leaves an enduring legacy, demonstrating that one person truly has the power to make a difference.
Deputy Chancellor, it is a privilege and pleasure to present the Honourable Dr Kay Patterson AO for admission to the degree of Doctor of Science, honoris causa.