It’s with deep sadness that I write of the loss from our community of treasured friend and colleague, Paul Barratt.
You would be hard pressed ever to meet or know a more generous person, or one who has lived such a full and rich life of service not only to our UNE Community, but to his family, friends, colleagues and in no small measure, to the nation.
Paul will be remembered by myself and many others as the rarest of gems, a statesman of utmost integrity and honour who was nevertheless approachable and invested personally in ways that made life better for the people and communities around him.
While it might have been uncommon (if not unlikely!) that you could gain ground in a political debate with Paul or (even rarer) make headway in a discussion about national defence strategies or rules for countries to engage in conflict, he would nevertheless always have an open ear and time to consider actions and policies that might bring about a better future for all Australians and to indulge in his particular passion for encouraging the younger generations to have a voice in the design of that vision, including through the vehicle of Australia 21.
Paul’s involvement and history with the University New England and Armidale started when he moved to Armidale as a child and his father, Paul Barratt Senior, took on a job at the University as a lecturer in Psychology before progressing to a Professor and head of that discipline. Paul Barratt (Junior) was schooled in Armidale and after graduating from The Armidale School, completed his Bachelor of Science (Physics) at UNE with Honours. Paul would continue his love of learning, going on to complete a Graduate Course in Nuclear Science & Engineering at Lucas Heights in 1967, being awarded a Bachelor of Arts (South Asian Civilization & Economics) at ANU in 1973, and undertaking further professional learning via a Corporate Director’s Course at University of New England in 1999. Paul would go on to be made a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and of the Corporate Directors’ Association.
Paul’s lists of achievements and contributions are numerous and I have not attempted to capture them all here (nor could I), in no small part because Paul did not only achieve highly in his professional life and through education, but was involved in many community activities, often quietly and without a great deal of fanfare but nevertheless always having impact.
Some particular achievements close to home that I will note include: Paul was recognised in 1997 with a Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of New England for his notable career in the public service – particularly as Deputy Secretary and then Secretary of Defence and his ongoing advocacy and support of the University of New England. His 30+ years of “service to public administration, public policy development, business and international trade” was also recognised in 1999 when he was made an Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia. Paul was appointed as a Director of UNE Foundation Ltd on 5 September 2006, and would progress to Chair the UNE Foundation Board of Trustees before he retired (having serviced his maximum allowed term) on 6 March 2019. Paul was an Adjunct Professor in the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences from 2015 to 5 March 2021, and in 2019 was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters Honoris Causa (HonDLitt) by the UNE Council.
Paul was a regular attendee at UNE Graduations when in Armidale (and not travelling the world – which he did often and regularly in pursuit of lifelong learning experiences!), was active at alumni and convocation events (in Armidale, Canberra, Sydney and occasionally overseas), and contributed his time generously to the University over many years in many ways including publications and lectures in faculty, in support and encouragement of students and on special projects including recently in 2018 and 2019 helping to lead discussions to settle on new enterprise agreements for UNE staff.
Paul was until this year, Chairman of Australia 21, President of Australians for War Powers Reform and Director and Principal of Aadi Defence Pty Ltd. Some of you will have watched him on the Drum (contributed over many years and recently in 2019, read his articles and publications, heard him speak of issues of the day (e.g. the need to consider post traumatic stress disorder in front line emergency responders and veterans), or know or perhaps helped contribute to his submissions to government inquires to help influence change (Government outsourcing policy comes to mind as one such example). Some of you may have connected with him at The Armidale School, at an open garden, at the art gallery, at a musical event, at the airport (often!) or perhaps on one of his morning walks.
Paul’s passing is a loss for our community but his amazing life, selfless service and tireless support, not just to UNE but also to the broader community is worth reflection and celebration of a friend who touched many through his worthy actions and enduring generosity.
Professor Brigid Heywood
Vice-Chancellor & CEO
