Austin Asche facts for kids

Keith John Austin Asche was an important Australian judge. He was born on November 28, 1925, and passed away on December 14, 2024. He held two very important jobs in the Northern Territory of Australia. He was the Administrator of the Northern Territory, which is like a governor. He was also the third Chief Justice of the highest court there, called the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory.

Early Life and Education

Austin Asche was born in Melbourne, Australia. His parents were Eric Thomas Asche and Beryl Victoria Asche. His father, Eric, was a lawyer.

When Austin was a baby in 1926, his family moved to Rabaul, in the Territory of New Guinea, for a year. Then, in 1928, they moved to Darwin. His father worked as a Crown Law Officer there.

Austin went to Darwin Primary School. In 1938, he moved back to Melbourne and attended Melbourne Grammar School.

During World War II, Austin joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1944. He served until 1946. After the war, he went to the University of Melbourne. He studied at Trinity College and earned two degrees: a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Laws. He became a lawyer on February 1, 1950.

On April 11, 1958, Austin Asche married Valerie James. They had a son and a daughter. He lived to be 99 years old.

Legal Career in Victoria

In 1951, Austin Asche moved to Brisbane and continued his law career there. He returned to Melbourne in 1954 and worked as a barrister. A barrister is a type of lawyer who argues cases in court.

In 1972, he was appointed a Queen's Counsel. This is a special title given to experienced lawyers. From 1968 to 1975, he also taught part-time at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.

In 1976, Austin Asche became one of the first judges of the new Family Court of Australia. This court helps families with legal issues. He was also involved with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, serving as its President from 1981 to 1983.

He was the Chancellor of Deakin University from 1983 to 1987. A Chancellor is like the head of a university. He also served as the Acting Chief Judge of the Family Court from 1985 to 1986.

Leadership in the Northern Territory

Austin Asche moved to the Northern Territory in 1986. On April 14, 1986, he became a Judge of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory. This is the highest court in the Northern Territory.

He was then appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court on August 17, 1987. As Chief Justice, he was the top judge in the Northern Territory. He also led the Northern Territory Parole Board.

While in the Northern Territory, he was very active in the community. He was the President of the Red Cross Society in the Northern Territory. He was also President of the Scout Association there. From 1989 to 1993, he was the Chancellor of the Northern Territory University.

On March 1, 1993, Austin Asche took on a new role. He became the Administrator of the Northern Territory. This job is similar to a state governor. He represented the King in the Northern Territory.

As Administrator, he supported many groups. He was the Northern Territory Chief Scout. He was also an Honorary Colonel in NORFORCE, which is an Australian Army unit.

Austin Asche retired in 1997. After retiring, he continued to contribute to the law. He chaired the Northern Territory Law Reform Committee. He was also an adjunct professor and Emeritus Chancellor at Charles Darwin University.

Honours and Awards

Austin Asche received many awards for his service.

• In 1993, he was made a Knight of the Order of St. John.
• In 1994, he was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia. This is one of Australia's highest honours.
• He received Honorary Doctorates from both Deakin University and Charles Darwin University.
• In 2007, he was made an Honorary Freeman of the City of Darwin. This is a special honour given by the city.