Professor Hugh Stretton AC.

Professor Hugh Stretton AC.

Professor Hugh Stretton AC
Photo by Dean Martin, The Advertiser

The Stretton Institute is named in honour of Professor Hugh Stretton AC. (15 July 1924 –18 July 2015). 

Professor Stretton was one of Australia’s leading public intellectual and social-democratic thinkers and he inspired numerous people in government and academia who shared his vision of a fairer Australia.

A Rhodes Scholar, Hugh Stretton was Professor and Reader at the University of Adelaide from 1954 until retirement in 1989.  His presence and inspiration continued after his formal retirement.

Professor Stretton is renowned and respected widely for his writings on cities, housing, economics, history and the social sciences. He also contributed substantively to policy in serving as Deputy Chair of the South Australian Housing Trust for 17 years (1973 to 1989).

After his formal retirement Professor Stretton continued writing, speaking and publishing on issues close to his heart. The University of Adelaide bestowed two honours for exceptional and meritorious service both the University and community – the title of Emeritus Professor and Doctor of the University (honoris causa).