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Sir Edward Williams KCMG KBE
1982 Award
Commissioner, Australian Royal Commission of Inquiry into Drugs
A pilot with the Royal Australian Airforce, Queensland-born Williams was posted overseas during the Second World War and afterwards remained in England and completed a law degree. Returning to Australia, he was admitted to the Queensland Bar in 1946 and, in 1971, appointed a judge of the Supreme Court. He headed the 1977-80 Australian Royal Commission of Inquiry into Drugs, and was a member of the International Narcotics Control Board. A blunt, outspoken man, he caused controversy when he claimed that 'there would be fewer young drug addicts if more mothers stayed at home with their children', adding that if he had his way he would tear up the Family Law Act, which in his view helped to break up families.
He believed education about drug use for young children was essential because 'at 16 you can't tell them anything. And don't hammer them about drugs, tell them about life'. Sir Edward was chair of the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games Foundation, for which he received the Australian of the Year award, as 'the man who was responsible for the greatest exhibition of national pride ever, the Commonwealth Games'.
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