University of Western Australia: Former treasurer Ben Wyatt joins Perth Festival board
Perth Festival is delighted to announce the appointment of Ben Wyatt to our Board.
We welcome Mr Wyatt as our preparations for Perth Festival 2022 gather pace under the theme Wardan (Noongar for Ocean) to follow up the successful Bilya (River) 2021 Festival.
Mr Wyatt’s three-year term, commencing immediately, has been confirmed by the Senate of the University of Western Australia, as Perth Festival’s founder and parent organisation.
Perth Festival Chair Tim Ungar said Mr Wyatt brought a wealth of diverse experiences and expertise to the Festival.
“Ben’s background in Treasury, Finance and Indigenous Affairs brings a unique dynamic to the board. His extensive parliamentary and professional experience provide him with a detailed understanding of the broad sweep and impact of Perth Festival’s activities,’ Mr Ungar said.
“We look forward to working with him as the Festival continues its mission to enhance Perth’s vitality and enrich life through art in Western Australia.”
“I greatly admire the Festival’s ability to bring people together and create a strong sense of community through shared artistic expression. I am excited by the opportunity to help the Festival continue to flourish on a strong and sustainable footing and to engage with as many people as possible as a world leader for cultural and artistic excellence here on Noongar Boodjar.”
Ben Wyatt
Mr Wyatt is the former Western Australian Treasurer and has had ministerial responsibility for Finance, Energy, Aboriginal Affairs and Lands. He was the first Indigenous treasurer of any Australian parliament and he has held various shadow cabinet portfolios including responsibility for Native Title, the Pilbara and Culture and the Arts. He retired from the Western Australian Parliament in March 2021.
He holds a Masters degree with Distinction from the London School of Economics and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Western Australia.
Prior to entering Parliament, Mr Wyatt practised as a lawyer in both private practice and with the Western Australian Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Mr Wyatt was recently appointed to the Boards of the West Coast Eagles, Telethon Kids Institute, Woodside and Rio Tinto.