Andrew Crockett entertained us with a humorous and at times self-deprecating description of his life, education and career.
Born in London in 1947, he showed us some early family photographs, before his parents and two brothers became “ten-quid tourists” to arrive in Australia. His father worked in real estate in Sydney and later Melbourne, where Andrew went to Haileybury College. He described lack-lustre academic and sporting performances, failing English Expression, and a hilarious performance in “The Mikado” as his voice was breaking.
He was aiming for a career in Theology, but a crisis in faith made him divert towards the Law. However he must have been doing something right, as he was awarded a scholarship to Melbourne University. He described himself as “not a star pupil”, but nevertheless he enjoyed drumming in the Pipe and Drum Band. Enrolment in the CMF meant he missed conscription.
After graduation in 1970 he was a law Intern, and met Pamela who he married in 1971.
After discovering he was unsuited to be a barrister, he joined the Legal Aid Office, later becoming Director.
He had a stint at Monash U
niversity 1996-2006, lecturing in Ethics and Succession Law, and gained a masters degree and Certificate in Higher Education.
Pam and he spent 2006 to 1014 in ACT, as he worked in the Legal Aid Department, modernizing the service.
Pamela is very involved in the Countrywomen’s Association, and they both enjoy opera and classical music. Andrew gave up jogging for cycling as a means of staying fit, and spends some time in retirement tutoring English in migrant programmes.
Pam and Andrew have two children and three grand-children.
Our photos show the young Andrew, and Pam and Andrew enjoying a pre-dinner drink with Anne Scott.
Andrew’s own description of his career is very low-key. An internet search reveals a nice summary of it:
“Andrew Crockett was CEO of the Legal Aid Commission of the ACT from 2006 until the end of 2013. Prior to that he taught professional legal skills and ethics at Monash University and worked in the Faculty of Law’s clinical program. Earlier he worked in legal aid, initially in the Australian Legal Aid Office and then in what is now Victoria Legal Aid. He was Director of Legal Aid in Victoria from 1989 to 1995.
“Andrew now works part-time, teaching in ANU’s Legal Workshop and undertaking legal aid projects. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant service to the law, particularly to legal aid services, to education, and to the community.”