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Kay Patterson becomes Monash Professorial Fellow

1 October 2008

Professor Kay Patterson

Former Federal Health Minister and stem-cell research campaigner Dr Kay Patterson has been made a Vice-Chancellor's Professorial Fellow at Monash University.

The five-year part-time appointment was announced by the Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins.

"Kay Patterson brings a wealth of experience to Monash University. Her appointment will enhance delivery of our commitment to teaching and research excellence, and finding real solutions to the medical, social and economic challenges facing society, governments and industry," Professor Larkins said.

"Dr Patterson has already made a significant contribution to Monash University over several decades. I thank her for her renewed commitment.

"Her role will include advising senior staff on external engagement and relationships, involvement in the Ancora Imparo Student Leadership Program and exploration of opportunities for inter-university collaboration by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences."

Dr Patterson has been a tutor at Howitt Hall and a deputy warden at Richardson Hall. She holds both a Monash Diploma of Education and PhD. She was a tutor within the Psychology Department and was a member of Monash Council for 20 years.

Dr Patterson said she was honoured to be appointed as a Vice-Chancellor's Professorial Fellow.

"I hope that my long association with Monash as a student, tutor and member of Council combined with my 21 years experience as a Senator and my time as Federal Cabinet Minister will prove valuable to students, staff and the administration of the University," she said.

"I look forward to my renewed involvement with Monash and in particular with students across a broad range of disciplines."

Kay Patterson was elected to the Senate in 1987 and in government held a number of executive positions including Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Immigration and the Minister for Foreign Affairs. In 2001 she was appointed to Cabinet as Minister for Health and Ageing and then in October 2003 became Minister for Family and Community Services and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women's Issues. She retired from the Cabinet in 2006 and from the Senate in June 2008.

In 2006 she developed a private member's bill, which passed into law in December of that year, to extend existing legislation permitting embryonic stem cell research to include somatic cell nuclear transfer.

Ms Patterson has been a member of Guides Australia since she was 10. In 2002 she was appointed an Honorary Life Member of Guides Victoria. She is also a Director of Interplast Australia and New Zealand.