Professor Neutze had worked at the Australian National University for 40 years, most recently as professor in the Urban Research Unit in the Research School of Social Sciences. He was director of the Institute of Advanced Studies and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (1989-92). Professor Neutze came to Canberra to teach economics in 1960 from Oxford where he was a Rhodes scholar.
Professor Neutze had a high international reputation in urban design as well as engaging in his local community in the debates about the development of Canberra. In addition to his intellectual rigour he brought a great humanity to his work, and well understood that the prime aim of both economics and urban design should be the well-being of people. He took on those driven by economics and the money of development, arguing strongly against rampant in-fill and higher development for its own sake. He did so in a fearless, but gentlemanly way. He cherished academic freedom in a time when commercialisation was eroding it at universities. He was a constant fighter for more untied funding for universities and a champion of the value of pure research.
His book Urban Development in Australia changed the way people thought about the functioning and economics of Australian cities – a matter of critical importance in one of the most urbanised nations on earth.
Professor Neutze was both an adviser and critic of governments (federal and territory) on the development of Canberra
He was founder of the Australia Institute and chair of its board from 1994 to 1999.
Professor Neutze’s first wife, Margaret died in 1994. He is survived by his second wife Mary, two sons and a daughter.
The director of the Australia Institute, Clive Hamilton, said yesterday, “Max Neutze was a truly exceptional man. Everyone who knew him held in the highest esteem — for his integrity, wisdom and humanity. He was a true elder. Nor should we ignore his intellectual contribution. His work changed the way we think about Australian cities.”
A full obituary will be published next week.