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The Order of Australia was established in 1975 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Prior to 1975 Australians were recognised under the British honours system, also known as Imperial awards.

One of the most prestigious honours, the Order of Australia is the principal means of recognising outstanding members of the community at a national level and nominations are encouraged from all members of the Australian public.

Australasian Leukaemia and Lymphoma Group (ALLG) CEO, Delaine Smith said that our organisation wholeheartedly supported the nomination, and believe that Mr Kempen deserved this recognition for his outstanding record and contribution to the field of clinical trials and blood cancer research.

“Mr Kempen has demonstrated his dedication to achievement at a high level and also his extensive contributions, which were considerably above what might be reasonably expected through a volunteer position.”

His outstanding contributions have included assisting in the development of the ALLG as a professional research organisation; and to the clinical research in blood cancers under the auspices of the ALLG; in guiding and mentoring members; to the establishment of organisation wide good governance procedures; and as an outstanding leader in Australia.

As a senior partner of Ernst and Young, Mr Kempen was the Managing Partner of the Australian firm’s Corporate Finance practice. He left professional practice in 2003 and has since been a professional non-executive company director, serving on the Board of three publicly listed companies (all as Chairman) as well as a number of private companies and not for profit organisations.

Mr Kempen is a former Chairman of Patties Foods Ltd and former Chairman of Danks Holdings Ltd. He is also a former Chairman of Independent Schools Victoria, and has also served as Chairman of the State Council of Victoria and as a National Councillor of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia.

Ms Smith continued, “I would describe Mr Kempen as a man with a sharp eye for detail, and an amazing aptitude for pragmatism.”

“Whilst he is very hands-on Chairman, he takes great pride in the mentorship of others that results in optimum performance for the organisation; he is both driven and devoted to improving the position of the ALLG.”

“He personally cares deeply about the work we are doing and maintains rigorous vigour to ensure ALLG is constantly progressing; without his spark, unique skill set and drive we simply would not have been able to achieve the great milestones of the last seven years”, said Ms Smith.

Driven by his personal experience with blood cancer, Mr Kempen was been frequently quoted as saying that ‘he was receiving the benefit of research undertaken and funded by people and organisations over many decades before him.’

Today, as a blood cancer survivor, he continues to acknowledge the good will of those that have already volunteered and those currently participating in new treatment research. Mr Kempen is driven by a passion to further contribute to research for the benefit of future sufferers.

Becoming a member of the ALLG Board is the one way he was able to continue supporting research.

Access to clinical trials has remained a key focus of Mr Kempen, along with the skilled input of the other ALLG Directors, we have been able to actively engage with government to help advance the future of the Australian research environment.

“On behalf of the Board and Members of the Australasian Leukaemia and Lymphoma Group (ALLG), I would like to congratulate Mr Kempen on being announced as an honorary Member (AM) in the Order of Australia honours”, said Ms Smith.

“In the opinion of the ALLG, Mr Kempen’s level of service qualifies as meritorious by all means and definitions.”