The University of Notre Dame Australia congratulates former Chancellor, the Honourable Christopher Martin Ellison, on being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours.
Mr Ellison has been recognised for his significant service to the people and Parliament of Australia, as well as to tertiary education administration and business.
The honour reflects a distinguished career in public service and a longstanding commitment to education, including his eight-year tenure as Chancellor of the University of Notre Dame Australia.
During his time as Chancellor, Mr Ellison played a key role in advancing the University’s mission and values.
His contribution supported a period of growth and development across Notre Dame’s Fremantle, Broome and Sydney campuses, and he was a passionate advocate for the University within the broader community.
In 2025, the University recognised Mr Ellison’s exceptional contribution by conferring upon him the degree of Honorary Doctor of Letters, acknowledging both his leadership at Notre Dame and his wider impact on Australian public life.
Mr Ellison’s distinguished parliamentary career included more than a decade as a Minister in the Howard Government, including as Australia’s longest-serving Minister for Justice.
He represented Western Australia in the Senate from 1993 to 2009 and held portfolios spanning Justice and Customs, Human Services, Schools, and Vocational Education and Training.
Beyond Parliament, Mr Ellison made significant contributions to law, education and community service, including work across a range of boards and organisations.
The University of Notre Dame Australia congratulates him on this well-deserved national recognition.
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