Political pioneer receives honorary doctorate
L to R: Professor David Copolov OAM, Hon Dr Mark Birrell and Deputy Chancellor Yehudi Blacher
Development pioneer The Hon Mark Birrell has been awarded a Monash University honorary doctorate for his contributions to the policy and infrastructure sectors.
As the Chairman of Infrastructure Australia, Chair of VicHealth, and Chairman of the Port of Melbourne, Dr Birrell has paved the way for innovative Australian development.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Ed Byrne notes Dr Birrell's extensive contributions have greatly changed Australia's development for the better, making him an outstanding doctorate recipient.
"Dr Birrell is a top example of someone who has achieved an outstanding amount for Australia, someone that greatly deserves the honorary doctorate," Professor Byrne said.
Dr Birrell made history in 1983 for winning the seat of East Yarra Province at 25 years old, making him the youngest Member of Parliament in Australia at the time. He entered the shadow Cabinet as health spokesman and was elected leader of the Government in the Upper House in 1992.
These political achievements came after his appointment as President of the Liberal Students Union and then President of the Young Liberal Movement while studying at Monash University. He graduated with a Bachelor of Economics in 1978 and Bachelor of Laws in 1982.
Dr Birrell's work has greatly influenced many areas within the environment, infrastructure and public policy sectors.
As Minister for Conservation and Environment, he created the Yarra Ranges National Park and the Victorian Coastal Council to pioneer laws for coastal protection.
Innovative initiatives such as the City Circle Tram, the Agenda21 infrastructure program which oversaw the creation of the Melbourne Museum and Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, and project strategies for CityLink and Federation Square were all thanks to Dr Birrell's outstanding work.
Sworn in as Minister for Industry, Science and Technology in 1996, Dr Birrell implemented many successful initiatives to raise employment and business growth, funding for research programs and opening trade opportunities.
After retiring from Parliament in 2002 and returning to law, Dr Birrell has become National Leader of the Infrastructure Group at Minter Ellison and founding Chairman of the Infrastructure Partnerships Australia.