Michael Tate facts for kids

Michael Carter Tate is a remarkable Australian who has had many important roles. Born on July 6, 1945, he has been a university teacher, a politician, an ambassador for Australia, and later became a Catholic priest. He was also honored with the Order of Australia (AO) for his service.

Early Life and Education

Michael Carter Tate was born in Sydney, New South Wales, on July 6, 1945.

He went to St Virgil's College in Hobart, Tasmania. After that, he studied law at the University of Tasmania. He worked very hard, especially after a serious car accident in 1963. This accident meant he spent a long time recovering. He graduated with top honors in law in 1968.

Later, in 1971, he continued his studies at the University of Oxford in England. There, he earned a Master of Arts degree in theology, which is the study of religious faith.

Career Highlights

Early Professional Roles

From 1972 to 1978, Michael Tate worked as a law lecturer at the University of Tasmania. He even became the dean of the law faculty, which is like being the head of the department, from 1977 to 1978.

He also gave legal advice to the Tasmanian government for important meetings about Australia's laws. From 1972 to 1978, he was a member of the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace. This group worked on issues of fairness and peace.

Time in Politics

In 1977, Michael Tate was elected to the Australian Senate, representing Tasmania. The Senate is one of the two parts of the Australian Parliament. He started his term on July 1, 1978, and was re-elected several times.

He was the President of the Parliamentary Christian Fellowship from 1985 to 1988. He also led two Senate investigations into the actions of a former colleague.

From 1987 to 1993, he served as the Minister for Justice in the governments led by Prime Ministers Bob Hawke and Paul Keating. This was a very important job, dealing with laws and the justice system. He left the Senate on July 5, 1993.

After his political career, he became Australia's ambassador to the Netherlands and the Holy See (Vatican City). An ambassador represents their country in another nation.

Becoming a Priest

After serving as an ambassador, Michael Tate decided to become a Catholic priest. On May 19, 2000, he was ordained by the Archbishop of Hobart. Many important people attended his ordination, including former Prime Ministers.

He has served as a parish priest in several areas of Tasmania, including Bridgewater, Sandy Bay, and Huon Valley. As of July 2025, he is the parish priest of South Hobart. He also holds the position of Vicar General for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hobart. This means he helps the Archbishop manage the church's affairs in the region.

Michael Tate continues to do research in law, especially in international humanitarian law. This area of law deals with protecting people during armed conflicts. He works part-time as an Honorary Research Professor at the University of Tasmania's Faculty of Law. He was also a member of the Australian Red Cross's International Humanitarian Law Committee.

In 2010, he was appointed Tasmania's first Parliamentary Standards Commissioner. In this role, he advises Members of Parliament on how to act ethically and properly.

Awards and Recognition

Michael Tate has received several honors for his work.

• In 1992 and 1996, he was given honorary doctorates from the University of Tasmania and Charles Sturt University. An honorary doctorate is a special degree given to someone for their achievements.
• In 1996, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). This is a high honor that recognizes his significant contributions to Australia, especially as the Federal Minister for Justice.