Noel Preston

Noel Preston (1941–2020) was an Australian ethicist, theologian, and social commentator, known for his work in public sector ethics and governance. He completed his primary and secondary education in Queensland before pursuing higher education at Kelvin Grove College of Advanced Education, the University of Queensland, Boston University School of Theology (USA), and the University of New England. His doctoral studies at Boston University were under Reinhold Neibuhr. Preston was ordained as a Methodist minister in 1967 and later became a minister of the Uniting Church in Australia. His career involved roles in education and social justice, including serving as the inaugural Convenor of the Uniting Church's Commission on Social Responsibility and as Queensland Director of Action for World Development. From 1987 to 2001, he held senior academic positions in applied and professional ethics at Queensland University of Technology, serving as president of the Australian Association of Professional and Applied Ethics. From 2002 to 2017, he was an adjunct professor at Griffith University. Preston was a regular public commentator on ethics, particularly in Queensland following the Fitzgerald Commission. He authored or co-authored twelve books, including the widely used textbook "Understanding Ethics" and his memoir "Beyond the Boundary." In retirement, he focused on eco-theology and global ethics, publishing "Ethics with or without God." He initiated several social action groups, such as Concerned Christians and Citizens Against Corruption, and served on government committees. In 2004, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his contributions to public awareness of ethics and governance. The State Library of Queensland began archiving his papers in 2013. Preston was married to Olga Harris and had three children.