Malcolm McCusker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Malcolm McCusker
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McCusker in 2011
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| 31st Governor of Western Australia | |
| In office 1 July 2011 – 30 June 2014 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Premier | Colin Barnett |
| Lieutenant | Wayne Martin |
| Preceded by | Ken Michael |
| Succeeded by | Kerry Sanderson |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Malcolm James McCusker
6 August 1938 Subiaco, Western Australia |
| Spouse | Tonya McCusker (née Batalin) |
| Alma mater | University of Western Australia |
| Profession | Lawyer |
Malcolm James McCusker (born 6 August 1938) is an Australian lawyer and philanthropist. A philanthropist is someone who gives money and time to help others. He was the 31st Governor of Western Australia, serving from July 2011 to June 2014.
Contents
Who is Malcolm McCusker?
Malcolm McCusker is known for his work as a lawyer and for his generosity. He held a very important job as the Governor of Western Australia. This role is like a representative of the King or Queen in the state.
Early Life and Education
Malcolm McCusker was born in Subiaco, Western Australia, on 6 August 1938. His father, James McCusker, was a banker in Perth. Malcolm went to North Perth Primary School. Later, he moved with his parents to Hobart, Tasmania, where he attended Lenah Valley Primary School and Hobart High School.
He then returned to Western Australia. He finished his high school education at Perth Modern School. After that, he went to the University of Western Australia (UWA). He earned a degree in law there.
A Career in Law
Malcolm McCusker became a practicing lawyer in 1961. As a barrister, he argued cases in many important courts. These included the Supreme Court of Western Australia and the highest courts in Australia, like the Federal Court and the High Court. He even argued cases at the Privy Council in the United Kingdom.
From 1963 to 1982, he also taught law part-time at UWA. In 1982, he was given the special title of Queen's Counsel. This title is given to very experienced and respected lawyers. He also led several legal committees in Western Australia.
In 1989, McCusker was asked to investigate the collapse of a bank called Rothwells Merchant Bank. His report led to a big investigation into a scandal known as "WA Inc."
Helping the Community
Malcolm McCusker has always been involved in helping others. Since 1955, he has been part of surf lifesaving. He is a member of the North Cottesloe Surf Lifesaving Club. In 1997, he even helped rescue two men whose surf ski was bitten by a large shark off Cottesloe Beach.
For his great service to the legal profession and the community, he received a high honor. He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2005. He also received several "Citizen of the Year" awards in Western Australia. In 2010, he was named Western Australia's Australian of the Year.
He has also received special honorary doctorates from several universities. These include Edith Cowan University and the University of Western Australia.
Governor of Western Australia
When he became Governor, Malcolm McCusker decided to donate his entire salary to charities. This included groups like the Lions Eye Institute and the Salvation Army. He also supported organizations helping Indigenous Australians.
In October 2011, Queen Elizabeth II personally appointed him a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order. This was during her visit to Australia. In 2012, he received an even higher honor. He was advanced to Companion of the Order of Australia (AC). This was for his work as a lawyer, his support for development and education, and his charity work. He helped with medical research, youth groups, and arts organizations.
As Governor, he and his wife supported over 100 charities. These included the Perth International Arts Festival and Telethon. They also supported the West Australian Ballet and groups like Anglicare and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Life After Being Governor
In June 2014, Malcolm McCusker finished his three-year term as Governor. He then went back to working as a lawyer in Perth. Kerry Sanderson became the next Governor.
In late 2018 and early 2019, he led a group to help write new laws. These laws were about voluntary assisted dying for the government led by Mark McGowan. The parliament passed these laws in December 2019.
Family Life
Malcolm McCusker married Tonya Batalin in 2007. They have one child together. He is also a stepfather to Tonya's two other children. From a previous marriage, he has three adult children. He also has four grandsons and one granddaughter.
