Neil Conn facts for kids

Neil Raymond Conn, born on August 17, 1936, is an Australian economist. He is known for being the Administrator of the Northern Territory from 1997 to 2000. He also held a very important role as the Lord Prior of the Order of Saint John, a worldwide charity, starting in 2014.

Early Life and Career

Neil Conn studied economics at the University of Sydney in Australia. He earned two degrees there: a Bachelor of Science (BSc) and a Master of Economics (MEc). Later, he went to Duke University in the United States to study for his doctorate (PhD).

After finishing his studies, he taught economics at the University of Sydney from 1961 to 1975. In 1975, he moved to Paris, France, to work for the OECD. The OECD is an international group that helps governments work together on economic issues. He worked there for two years.

After that, he spent four years as the Deputy Secretary of the New South Wales Treasury. This is a government department that manages money for the state of New South Wales in Australia.

Administrator of the Northern Territory

The Northern Territory is one of Australia's states and territories. Neil Conn was chosen by the Northern Territory government to be the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of their treasury department. This meant he was in charge of managing the territory's money.

Later, he became the Administrator of the Northern Territory. This is a role similar to a governor for the territory. He served in this important position from February 17, 1997, until October 30, 2000.

After he retired from being the Administrator, Neil Conn became the first chairman of a company called Original IT Investments Pty Ltd. This company helped new information technology businesses get started. From 2001 to 2004, he was also a senior director for another company called International All Sports Ltd.

Neil Conn lives in Sydney with his wife, Lesley. Lesley is also recognized for her contributions and is a Dame of the Order of Saint John. They have three children.

Role in the Order of Saint John

The Order of Saint John is a very old Christian charity that focuses on helping people, especially through first aid and healthcare. Its most famous part is St John Ambulance, which provides first aid services around the world.

Neil Conn became a deputy leader of the Order of Saint John in Australia in 1997. From 2004 to 2007, he was the chairman of St John Ambulance Australia. This meant he led the organization's work in Australia.

In 2007, he was chosen to be the chancellor of the St John Priory in Australia. This is another important leadership role within the Order.

In 2014, Neil Conn was promoted to the highest non-royal position in the entire Order of Saint John: the Lord Prior. This made him the most senior leader of the Order worldwide, after the monarch. He held this role until 2016, when Sir Malcolm Ross took over.

Awards and Honours

Neil Conn has received several important awards and honours for his service and contributions. These awards recognize his hard work and dedication to public service and charity.

	Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)	26 January 1996
	Bailiff Grand Cross of the Order of St John	2012
	Knight of the Order of St John	21 March 1997
	Centenary Medal	1 January 2001
	Australian Defence Medal
	Anniversary of National Service 1951–1972 Medal
	Service Medal of the Order of St John (Most Venerable Order of Saint John)	2009
	Cross pro Merito Melitensi (Sovereign Military Order of Malta)	2014

See also

• The Alliance of the Orders of Saint John of Jerusalem
• Government of Australia