SCU Staff Directory

Professor Collen Cartwright was appointed SCU Emeritus Professor in 2014 and Chair of the SCU Human Research Ethics Committee in 2018 (her current role). 

Qualifications: PhD (UQ 2004); MPH (UQ 1996); B. Soc Wk (Hons) (1989 UQ); ADA Arts/Drama (1984 NRCAE, now SCU).

From 2005-2014 she was SCU Foundation Professor of Aged Services and Director of the ASLaRC Aged Services Unit.

Her main areas of research have focussed on ageing issues, plus medical decisions at the end of life.  Professor Cartwright conducted several population-based studies into medical decisions at the end of life, including one in the Northern Territory while the Rights of the Terminally Ill Act was in place there (the first place in the world to pass legislation allowing both euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide). She led the Australian arm of a study into medical decisions at the end of life, in conjunction with 6 European countries.

Professor Cartwright designed the Advance Care Directive and Enduring Power of Attorney documents that became part of the Qld Powers of Attorney Act 1998.

She has over 100 refereed publications, including journal articles, book chapters and reports to government and the aged care industry.