Page 4130 - Week 11 - Thursday, 21 September 2017
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In his time in the commonwealth public service Karl was the key architect of Australia’s counterterrorism laws developed in the wake of the September 2001 terrorist attacks. He also held a range of senior executive positions in the commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department, including in the criminal law branch of the Office of Legal Services Coordination.
Before his public service career commenced, Karl studied in Canberra, earning degrees in law, with honours, and economics from the ANU. He later graduated with a PhD from the University of New South Wales.
Throughout his career Karl was well known for investing in people and would often talk and act as a sounding board for staff at all levels, as well as tapping into expertise and views across portfolios and levels. As a minister I always found this to be extremely helpful because I knew the advice from Karl would be well considered and reflect a wide range of discussions.
His outstanding policy work was characterised by intellectual rigour, clear expression and creativity. His enduring contribution at the ACT and commonwealth levels has been to train the next generation to work with these same characteristics. He influenced and inspired hundreds of public servants, both in the ACT and in the commonwealth public service. His legacy was reform, but reform with personality, reform with flair and reform with nous. In the days since his passing, many people have reflected that Karl exhibited the best features of the public service—professional excellence, fearless and well-considered advice, lateral thinking, concern for the public interest and a focus at all times on the long-term health and sustainability of the public service and public institutions.
He could be incredibly funny, and I think many of us fondly remember his dry chuckle. The high regard in which Karl was held by his colleagues was recognised last Friday, when he was personally awarded the Public Service Medal by the Governor-General, His Excellency the Hon Sir Peter Cosgrove. In presenting the award the Governor-General said:
Dr Alderson has made an exceptional contribution to both the Australian Capital Territory and the commonwealth public services. He is held in the highest regard for his service as the key architect of Australia’s counterterrorism laws. His work on restorative justice schemes and ensuring access to legal assistance for vulnerable people is also noteworthy. Dr Alderson’s efforts are deserving of this nation’s thanks and recognition. We are all indebted to him.
The head of the ACT public service, Kathy Leigh, has announced that the service is compiling a book on Karl’s public service career. I join her in inviting all who wish to contribute to this book to send their memories to my office, along with any photos that you have of Karl. These will be collated and published for his family to help them during this difficult time.
Dr Karl Alderson made an immense contribution to the ACT and he has also left a lasting legacy through all those that he worked with. I am sure I speak for all of my colleagues here in this chamber and throughout the ACT government. Our thoughts are with Karl’s wife, Michelle; his daughter, Celeste; his mother, Marelyn; and all of his friends and colleagues.
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