uLaunch is delighted to announce that Professor Paul Harpur, a distinguished member of our board, was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2024 Australia Day Honours. Bestowed upon him by the Governor General of Australia, this prestigious award acknowledges his exceptional service and achievements for people with disability.
The Order of Australia is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service or achieved remarkable accomplishments in various spheres. The Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) is specifically awarded for service worthy of particular recognition, and Professor Harpur’s citation reads “for service to people with disability.”
At uLaunch, most of our Board members have ‘lived experience’. Professor Harpur’s journey is a testament to his resilience. At the age of 14, he faced a life-altering incident when hit by an electric train, resulting in the loss of his eyesight. Undeterred by this challenge, Professor Harpur has emerged as a beacon of inspiration, exemplifying the triumph of the human spirit.
His achievements extend beyond personal triumphs. A dual Paralympian, lawyer, and internationally acclaimed disability advocate and scholar, he has made lasting contributions to the field. As a Professor in Law at the TC Beirne School of Law Queensland, Professor Harpur has dedicated more than a decade to teaching Corporate Law, and work health and safety law.
His impact reaches beyond the classroom. He currently leads a four-year Australian Research Council Future Fellowship focusing on disability employment. This groundbreaking initiative underscores his commitment to creating inclusive workplaces and promoting equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Internationally recognised for his expertise, Professor Harpur is affiliated with the Harvard Law School Project on Disability and holds the title of International Distinguished Fellow with the Burton Blatt Institute in New York.
uLaunch sincerely congratulates to Professor Paul Harpur on this well-deserved honour. His remarkable journey serves as an inspiration, highlighting the power of determination, resilience, and a relentless commitment to making the world a more inclusive place for everyone.
