Remembering the Honourable Austin Asche AC KC

Deakin Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin has paid tribute to the University’s second Chancellor, the Hon Austin Asche AC KC, who passed away on Saturday, 14 December, at age 99. Mr Asche was Deakin’s Chancellor from 1983 to 1987.

Professor Martin said Mr Asche devoted his life to making Australia a better and fairer place.

‘Austin lived a remarkable life, and his legacy will continue for generations. He was a passionate and indefatigable advocate for education and the community,’ Professor Martin said.

‘Austin’s distinguished tenure as Deakin’s second Chancellor transformed the University at a formative time and reflected his legacy as a dedicated judge, leading public servant, and scholar.

‘Today, we mourn the loss of an exceptional leader, and as Deakin marks its 50th anniversary, we reflect on Austin’s significant contribution to shaping the University we know and love.

‘In October, Deakin staff visited Austin and his daughter Wendy in Darwin to talk about his life, achievements, and memories of Deakin and Geelong. We were grateful for the opportunity to spend some time with Austin, and those memories will be preserved for posterity.

‘On behalf of the Deakin community, we are deeply saddened by Austin’s passing and send condolences to his children, Wendy and Harry, and family, for their loss.’

‘Austin’s distinguished tenure as Deakin’s second Chancellor transformed the University at a formative time and reflected his legacy as a dedicated judge, leading public servant, and scholar.’

In 1983, Justice Austin Asche succeeded Peter Thwaites to become Deakin’s second Chancellor. He had been a member of the Council of the State College of Victoria at Frankston (1973 – 1979) and President of Council of the RMIT (1974-1982).

He chaired the Victorian Inquiry into Teacher Education (1979-1980), and was also a senior judge of the Family Court of Australia in Victoria since 1976. He served as Chancellor until 1987.

Mr Asche was a former chief justice of the Northern Territory Supreme Court and served as the Northern Territory’s 15th Administrator from March 1993 until February 1997.

Born in Melbourne, Mr Asche was educated at Darwin Primary School. He served in the Royal Australian Air Force during the final days of World War II and began studying law at Melbourne University.

Admitted to the Queensland Bar, Mr Asche was called to the Victorian Bar in 1954, where he practised for over 20 years. He was made a Queen’s Counsel in 1972, and in 1976, he was the first Victorian appointed as a Justice to the newly formed Family Court of Australia.

Highly respected in the academic community, Mr Asche was Vice-President and then President of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Chancellor of Deakin University and Chancellor of the Northern Territory University.

He was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Literature from Deakin and an Honorary Doctor of Law from the Northern Territory University.