AN internationally acclaimed education reformer has been remembered as a true believer who lifted schools’ year 12 retention rates.
Professor Jack Keating, an adviser to former Victorian Labor premiers Joan Kirner and Steve Bracks, has been remembered as one of Australia’s leading education champions.
Mr Keating lost his battle with cancer on Saturday, aged 64.
Born in Melbourne, he received his PhD from the Institute of Education London in 1999 and joined Melbourne University in 2002.
He was a fellow of the Australian College of Education and on the Brotherhood of St Laurence board, being noted for his contribution to education policy and debates, including the Kirby and Gonski reviews.
In a statement, Melbourne University’s dean Field Rickards said: “Jack was highly respected nationally and internationally as an education researcher, as demonstrated by his role as chief investigator on four current Australian Research Council grants”.
Mr Bracks said his former campaign manager, who served on the Williamstown ALP branch, was a “good policy analyst, great writer and trusted adviser. He was a great member of our community who gave a lot to local campaigns and so much to many people; he’ll be sorely missed”.
Ms Kirner said: “Jack Keating was a great advocate for social justice and the best education and training possible for students of all ages, particularly in the western and northern suburbs.”
State Williamstown MP Wade Noonan said Australia had lost one of the great leaders of education policy. “He understood the importance associated with students completing their secondary studies and pursuing post-secondary education. I appreciated Jack’s forthright and honest manner. I respected his advice and valued his support. Williamstown, Victoria and Australia has lost a wonderful man.”
Brotherhood of St Laurence executive director Tony Nicholson said Mr Keating had made “a distinguished contribution” to meeting the needs of disadvantaged young Australians.
Mr Keating is survived by his wife Linelle and their two children Liam and Bonne.
A funeral service will be held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Nelson Place, Williamstown, on Friday at 3pm.
