Hackett, Sir John Winthrop (1848-1916), a journalist and philanthropist, owned The West Australian and The Western Mail newspapers. As editor and managing director of these newspapers, he influenced politics and public affairs in Western Australia. Hackett used his wealth for a number of worthy causes, including education, charities, and public institutions. In particular, he helped found the University of Western Australia at Perth. In 1913, when the University of Western Australia opened, Hackett became its chancellor.