The South Australian First Nations Voice to Parliament mourns the passing of Emeritus Professor Paul Hughes AM FACE. Professor Hughes was a proud Yankunytjatjara Narungga Kaurna man and Elder who significantly influenced Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education.
As we enter NAIDOC week, it is fitting that we recognise the work of Professor Hughes, a recipient of the South Australia NAIDOC Award for lifetime achievement in education. He was also awarded the Australian College of Educators College Medal, an Honorary Doctorate from Flinders University, the UNESCO Medal, and was a Member of the Order of Australia.
Through his work in the government and university sectors, including on the National Aboriginal Education Policy in the 1980s, Professor Hughes’ role as a teacher, policy maker and leader brought him global recognition. His contributions to research and policy reforms continue to impact the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to this day.
Vale Professor Paul Hughes.
