Beloved Territorian Austin Asche has died, aged 99

A much-loved Territory jurist and former administrator has died aged 99. Read the tributes.

One of the Northern Territory’s most respected jurists and public figures Austin Asche has died, aged 99.

Mr Asche was a former chief justice of the Northern Territory Supreme Court and served as the Northern Territory’s 15th administrator from March 1993 until February 1997.

The Asche family announced his death in a statement released Monday.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful death of The Honourable Austin Asche AC KC on December 14. Loved by so many, particularly cherished by his children Harry and Wendy, daughter in-law Janette, grandchildren Thomas, Romaan and Zoe, and great grandchildren Austin and Walter.”

Acknowledging Mr Asche’s passing, administrator Hugh Heggie pointed to his distinguished service as the Queen’s NT representative including hosting more than 3000 engagements, patronage of more than 80 associations and organisations and 270 days spent visiting regional Territory centres.

Former NT Administrator and Chief Justice Austin Asche.

He was at the centre of the NT’s efforts to connect with Asia, undertaking eight official visits to Indonesia to strengthen ties.

Born in Melbourne, Mr Asche was educated at Darwin Primary School.

He served in the Royal Australian Air Force during the final days of World War II and began studying law at Melbourne University.

Admitted to the Queensland Bar, Mr Asche was called to the Victorian Bar in 1954, where he practised for more than 20 years.

He was made a Queen’s Counsel in 1972 and in 1976 was appointed a justice of the Family Court.

He was appointed a judge of the NT Supreme Court in 1986 from where he was named chief justice and he was also chairman of the NT Parole Board.

Austin and Valerie Asche.

Highly respected in the academic community, Mr Asche was vice-president and then president of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Chancellor of Deakin University and Chancellor of the Northern Territory University.

In 1994 he established the Administrator’s Medal for Scholastic Achievement, which has so far recognised 60 young Territorians.

He received the Centenary Medal in 2003 and in 2007 became a Freeman of the City of Darwin.

He was preceded by his wife, prominent microbiologist Dr Valerie Asche AM.

Administrator Heggie paid tribute to his predecessor.

“We thank Austin for his great service to Territorians, to his extensive patronage groups, to defence, education, the law and science,” Mr Heggie said.

“Our deepest condolences to their daughter Wendy, son Harry extended family and all who knew and loved him.”

Austin and Valerie Asche.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said Mr Asche had left behind “a legacy of service, leadership and dedication”.

“Beyond his judicial and administrative achievements, Austin was a passionate advocate for education and the community, earning respect for his tireless work,” she said.

“On behalf of all Territorians, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this time of loss. Austin’s life was one of exemplary service and lasting impact, and his memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege to know him.”

Federal Member for Solomon Luke Gosling also paid tribute to Mr Asche.

“Vale Austin Asche AC. A great Territorian, a great Australian, now reunited with his beloved Dr Valerie Asche AM and missed by his children Wendy, Harry and family,” Mr Gosling said.

“Austin achieved so much, serving our country in WWII and serving in a Territory trifecta of Chief Justice, Chancellor of CDU (predecessor to NTU) and NT Administrator. Rest in peace great man.”

CDU acknowledged Mr Asche for his role as the university’s inaugural Chancellor from 1989 to 1993, saying his service to organisation and the NT was recognised with an honorary Doctor of Laws in 1994 and the award of Emeritus Chancellor in 2010.

More recently, the university co-named a community hall, Gulwa | The Austin Asche Hall. This hall has become a significant meeting place for various occasions, including CDU graduations held twice annually.

CDU Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Fiona Coulson said the university joined many others across the Territory and Australia in extending its deepest condolences to His Honour’s daughter, Wendy, son Harry and their families.

Opposition Leader Selena Uibo paid tribute, saying he dedicated his life to making the country better.

“On behalf of the Labor Opposition, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Austin Asche AC KC,” Ms Uibo said.

“Austin devoted his life to making Australia a better, fairer, and safer place. From serving in World War II to his roles as Northern Territory Chief Justice and later as Administrator, his contributions were extraordinary.

“Today, we mourn the loss of a remarkable man, but his legacy will carry on for generations to come.”