CDU mourns passing of beloved Territorian

First published by Charles Darwin University

It is with deep sadness that Charles Darwin University (CDU) acknowledges the passing of distinguished judge, educator and former Administrator of the Northern Territory, the Honourable Austin Asche AC KC.

Born in Melbourne, His Honour spent his early years in Darwin and Melbourne, serving in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II, and later earned a Bachelor and Master of Laws from the University of Melbourne. 

He was admitted to practice law on 1 December 1950, and went on to marry Valerie James in 1958, having two children. He became a Queen’s Counsel in 1972 and served as a Judge of the Family Court of Australia before being appointed Chief Justice of the Northern Territory in 1987. 

His Honour retired from active service in 1993 but remained involved in law and public service as the 15th Administrator of the Northern Territory from 1993 to 1997. His many honours include an honorary doctorate from Deakin University, where he also served as Chancellor, Knight of the Order of St John (1993), and Companion of the Order of Australia (1994). He also served as Chair of the Northern Territory Law Reform Committee between 1997 and 2018. 

His Honour made significant contributions to CDU, serving as the inaugural Chancellor of the then Northern Territory University (CDU) from 1989 to 1993. His service to the Northern Territory and CDU was recognised with an honorary Doctor of Laws in 1994 and the award of Emeritus Chancellor in 2010. 

Further in his honour, the University established an annual public oration in law and governance, the Austin Asche Oration, designed to stimulate discussion and debate within the Northern Territory and beyond on important matters relating to law and governance. The inaugural Oration, delivered in 2011 by the Honourable Patrick Keane, has since featured many distinguished academics and leading legal practitioners. 

More recently, in recognition of His Honour's service to the people of the Northern Territory and contributions to law, tertiary education, and the community, the University co-named a community hall, Gulwa | The Austin Asche Hall. This hall has become a significant meeting place for various occasions, including CDU graduations held twice annually. 

A generous philanthropist and Friend of CDU, His Honour contributed extensively to CDU and the education sector in the Northern Territory including establishing the Year 11 Science Excellence Experience to support and encourage exceptional STEAM students in Northern Territory schools to pursue studies at CDU. 

Buildings not only carry on his legacy, but the University also bestows awards in his honour, further commemorating his enduring impact on vocational training and degree education. 

CDU Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Fiona Coulson said the University joined many others across the Territory and Australia in extending its deepest condolences to His Honour's daughter, Wendy, son Harry and their families. 

“His Honour's unwavering support and service to education in the Northern Territory has left a lasting impact on the University,” Professor Coulson said.

“His legacy lives on in the naming of the Gulwa | The Austin Asche Hall in his honour.

“The Hall hosts the graduation ceremonies of hundreds of promising students celebrated for their hard work and educational accomplishments and it is a fitting tribute to a man who has done so much for the University and the community. Vale.”

His Honour passed away peacefully at home on Saturday 14 December 2024, aged 99.