Professor Hugh Heggie
AO PSM
Attributed quote from Professor Heggie AO PSM
“Supporting Survivors is deeply personal to me. Through both my own lived experience and my family's, I understand that the impacts of abuse can last a lifetime.
As a general practitioner for more than 35 years, I have also had the privilege of walking alongside many Survivors, listening to their stories and doing all that I can for their care.
It is an honour to join the National Survivors Foundation as an Ambassador. Together, we can ensure every voice of Survivors is heard, believed and supported. Our communities must work together to prevent abuse from happening in the first place because one victim is one too many.”
Professor Hugh lives on the lands of the Larrakia nation
National Survivors Foundation is extraordinarily proud to announce the appointment of Professor Heggie as an Ambassador for National Survivors Day.
Professor the Honourable Hugh Heggie AO PSM has spent a lifetime proving that leadership is at its most powerful when it is grounded in compassion, humility, and service to others. From remote clinics and emergency responses to the highest office in the Northern Territory, his career has been defined not by status but by care for people and community.
Sworn in as the 23rd Administrator of the Northern Territory in 2023, His Honour undertook the role with extraordinary grace, warmth, and deep respect for Territorians from every walk of life. Throughout more than five decades in medicine and public service, he has demonstrated outstanding leadership in clinical care, public health, emergency response, and community wellbeing, with a particular focus for support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across regional and remote Australia.
Before becoming Administrator, His Honour served as the Northern Territory’s Chief Health Officer and Executive Director of Public Health and Clinical Excellence, where his calm leadership and trusted advice helped guide Territorians through the COVID-19 pandemic. His contributions to medicine and public service have been recognised through the awarding of both the Public Service Medal and appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia.
Beyond the honours and titles is a man deeply committed to people. Whether serving in rural communities, supporting humanitarian disaster responses overseas, advocating for reconciliation, or acting as Patron to dozens of community organisations, His Honour has consistently used his position to uplift others and strengthen the social fabric of the Territory.
His story is a reminder that true leadership is not measured only by authority or achievement, but by humanity. By listening, showing up for community, and ensuring people feel seen, honoured, and heard.
Join us in welcoming Professor Heggie as he continues to fearlessly lead the charge towards a world free from sexual assault and institutional abuse.