Peter Costello awarded honorary doctorate
L-R: Vice-Chancellor Professor Ed Byrne, the Honourable Peter Costello AC, Chancellor Alan Finkel
Former Federal Treasurer the Honourable Peter Costello AC has been conferred with an honorary doctorate from Monash.
The honorary degree of Doctor of Laws honoris causa was conferred by the University at a graduation ceremony in Melbourne, recognising his significant contribution to Australian politics and his instrumental role in both the public and private sectors in Australia.
Mr Costello is a prominent Monash alumnus who, during a distinguished career, has influenced national economic policies, the public sector and the business community.
After completing a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws at the University in 1979, Peter Costello was a solicitor at Mallesons Melbourne, before becoming a self-employed barrister.
Peter Costello remains Australia’s longest-serving treasurer, a position he held from 1996 until 2007. During this period he brought down 12 consecutive federal budgets, including 10 surpluses. He eliminated the Commonwealth Government net debt of $96 billion and introduced the largest tax reform in Australian history.
In 2011, he was awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia for eminent service to the Parliament of Australia. He is currently Chairman of firm ECG Financial Pty Ltd.
The University's Council can approve an honorary degree for any person, regardless of whether they are a graduate of a university, in recognition of their distinguished contribution to a branch of learning, the arts, or distinguished service to the public.
Over the 50-year history of Monash, honorary degrees have been presented to dignitaries including Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Professor Dr Boediono (2013); Nobel Laureate Professor Dan Shechtman (2012); business leader Sir Rod Eddington (2011); former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser (2010); musician Nick Cave and architect John Denton (2007); author David Williamson (1990); mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary (1985); and His Royal Highness, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales (1981).
Peter Costello's address at the Monash graduation ceremony can be viewed on the official Peter Costello website.