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Ken Wyatt

Quick Facts

  • Name: Kenneth George Wyatt
  • Born: 4 August 1952, Bunbury south of Perth
  • The first Indigenous Australian member of the House of Representatives
  • Has nine siblings

Biography

Ken Wyatt was born on Roelands Mission farm, a former home for young Indigenous children removed from their families. Prior to politics, Wyatt worked as a primary school teacher for 16 years. He then worked for Western Australian Department of Education and as Director of Aboriginal Health in Western Australia and New South Wales. He also held the position of Pro Chancellor of Edith Cowan University and was a member of the WA Equal Opportunity Commission Tribunal for ten years. Wyatt's services to Aboriginal health were recognised in 1996 when he was made a Member of the Order of Australia. He also received the Centenary Medal in 2001.

Ken Wyatt won the federal House of Representatives seat of Hasluck for the Liberal party at the 2010 election. He is the first Indigenous Australian member of the House of Representatives and the third elected to the Parliament.

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