MEDIA RELEASE

Navy Lawyer Graduates on Top

When Sub Lieutenant Paul Kerr joined the Royal Australian Navy as a 15 year old junior recruit in July 1977, from Page in the ACT, he had no idea that he would one day become an officer, let alone a lawyer with first class honours and two University medals.

Now more than 21 years after joining the Navy Paul will graduate with first class honours in Law from the University of Canberra at a graduation ceremony to be held at Parliament House, Canberra on Thursday December 17, 1998.

SBLT Kerr said "In 1992 I was working in Canberra as a Petty Officer Naval Police Coxswain and part of my job was to give advice on the Defence Force Discipline Act."

"I had already begun studying at night school earlier that year to get the education qualifications necessary to become a commissioned officer. My interest in law had always been strong, and I suppose that I had often thought about being a lawyer, but always believed it was beyond me. After doing well at Reid TAFE, I realised that studying law was a real option, and one that I could pursue if I had the ambition."

In November 1992 Paul was accepted into the Barristers and Solicitors Admission Board external studies program offered by the Law Extension Committee at the University of Sydney.

Navy gave Paul to opportunity he needed in 1996 to realise his dream of becoming a lawyer, three years full time civil schooling at the University of Canberra to study an Arts/Law degree. In January 1997 SBLT Kerr was commissioned as an undergraduate legal officer.

Paul's achievements have also been recognised by the University of Canberra with him being awarded the University Medal for outstanding academic merit, and the Herbert Burton Medal for academic merit and significant contribution to the student and Canberra communities.

But the study isn't finished yet. In February 1999 Paul will head to the Australian National University where he will undertake a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, the final step prior to being admitted to the legal profession.

In July 1999, on promotion to Lieutenant, Paul will take up his appointment as Assistant Command Legal Officer at Naval Training Command, HMAS Cerberus, Victoria.

The University of Canberra Graduation Ceremony begins at 9.30am in the Great Hall at Parliament House.

Further information . . .

Lieutenant Mark Croxford: (02) 6265 1164 (w)
                          0417 482 447 (mob)
or
Michelle Charlton: (02) 6201 2560 (w)
University of Canberra