Congratulations to Australian Youth Orchestra Board Director, the honorable Dr Andrew Lu AM on being awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Curtin University in recognition of his contribution to law, accountability, mental health and social inclusion.
A leading legal practitioner, governance expert and mental health advocate Dr Lu is the President of the Mental Health Tribunal of Western Australia and has made significant contributions to law and public life over more than three decades.
In his role with the Tribunal, he oversees decisions affecting people experiencing serious mental health challenges, helping safeguard their rights while supporting recovery, autonomy and dignity.
Curtin Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne said Honorary Doctorates recognised individuals whose leadership and service had made a lasting contribution to their profession and the broader community.
Dr Lu has been an active and valued member of the AYO Board of Directors since 2018. A true champion of the arts, Dr Lu’s passion has seen him take active roles across a number of arts organisations, all while continuing his extensive research of law practices.
“On behalf of the Australian Youth Orchestra, we warmly congratulate Dr Andrew Lu AM on being awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Curtin University. This prestigious recognition reflects Andrew’s extraordinary commitment to justice, accountability, mental health, inclusion and public service over many decades. As a valued member of the AYO Board since 2018, Andrew has brought exceptional insight, leadership and a deep passion for the arts to our organisation,” said AYO CEO Kimbali Harding.
“We are immensely grateful for his contribution to AYO and the broader community, and we are delighted to see his outstanding achievements recognised through this well-deserved honour.”
Professor Hayne praised Dr Lu’s dedication to his career to advancing fairness, accountability and inclusion, while championing the rights and dignity of some of the most vulnerable members of the community.
“His work across the legal profession, mental health sector, arts governance and public service has helped shape more inclusive institutions and created positive change for countless Western Australians,” said Professor Hayne.
“By recognising Dr Andrew Lu as an Honorary Doctor of Laws, Curtin University is celebrating an extraordinary career defined by service, compassion and leadership,” Professor Hayne said.
“His commitment to justice, mental health, inclusion and education reflects the values we aspire to foster at Curtin and within the wider community.”
Before joining the Tribunal in 2022, Dr Lu built a distinguished legal career spanning more than 25 years, including senior leadership and partnership roles with major Australian law firms.
Widely recognised as one of Australia’s leading health and aged care lawyers, he has also made substantial contributions to legal reform, policy development and legal education.
Throughout his career, Dr Lu has also been a passionate advocate for inclusion and community service, serving on the boards of major national organisations including SBS, the National Gallery of Australia Foundation as well as the Australian Youth Orchestra.
He has held leadership positions with numerous arts, cultural and community organisations and helped establish national pro bono legal programs that have assisted disadvantaged Australians.