Scott Morrison honour exposes a system divorced from public sentiment
KING'S HONOURS
The King's Birthday honour awards are rendered meaningless by Scott Morrison's inclusion, a decision that insults Australians (' Politicians, scientists and costume designer feature in King's awards ', 8/6). His legacy, marred by robo-debt's heartless assault on vulnerable citizens, leaving families shattered, alone disqualifies him. But it doesn't end there. His sluggish COVID response, driven by others, not conviction; his callous 'I don't hold a hose' remark during the bushfires; and his dismissive stance on gender issues reveal a so-called leader who tarnished Australia's values. Awarding Morrison cheapens these honours. It's a stinging betrayal of robo-debt victims and all who suffered under his policies. Honours should celebrate integrity and selflessness. This decision exposes a system divorced from public sentiment. Australians deserve better: honours that inspire pride, not ones that reopen wounds and glorify failure.
Sue Barrett, Caulfield South
Brightening lives
The name of the honours may have changed from Queen to King but the same old selection criteria still exists with many receiving honours for doing their jobs. The reasons set out for Scott Morrison's award includes: 'leadership of the national COVID-19 response' and 'leadership of Australia's contribution to AUKUS', both up for debate as to whether there was any leadership shown and whether many decisions were the right ones. Let's be realistic, the award was for being prime minister. However, it was great to see awards for people such as those on the front page of The Age who have done extraordinary things for many years, outside their jobs, to 'brighten lives from beyond the spotlight'.
Phil Mackenzie, Eaglemont
His duty to lead
Scott Morrison was awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia but it was his duty as prime minister to take a leadership role in the COVID crisis, as with any crisis the country may experience. As for AUKUS, its worth is yet to be proven and indeed it may be very destructive in the future, both financially and its capabilities to keep us safe. By awarding him the highest honour only diminishes the whole system of awards, especially to those who are truly worthy.
Judith Morrison, Nunawading
Doubts about his achievements
It would have been better if the award to Scott Morrison had read only 'For service to the people and parliament of Australia as prime minister'. His leadership of the COVID response was successful only because the states pushed him and his approach on the vaccines puzzled many. His leadership on AUKUS omits the breaking of the contract with France and the loss of international good behaviour it generated as well as doubts about the AUKUS deal itself. Robo-debt, his alienation of China and the dislike he received from people affected by the fires and floods don't rate a mention. He claimed the 2019 election result was a miracle but not that the 2022 election result was too.
Adrian Tabor, Point Lonsdale
Doing his job
The award for Scott Morrison brings into question the very nature of the awards process. This is meant to be a criterion-based assessment process. The criteria includes that the 'outstanding achievement' should be 'above what might be expected through paid employment' – the former PM does not meet this criteria.
Warren Prior, Williamstown
Short memories
I have vivid memories of both Daniel Andrews' and Gladys Berejiklian's relentless battle to cajole Morrison into action at the time. Morrison was also seen to be needlessly slow in co-ordinating the country's vaccine roll-out. Andrews has been repeatedly vilified for his and his team's exemplary actions in Victoria, which had some of the lowest fatality rates globally. I honestly wonder how far and how deep some people's memories run.
Robert Boelen, Waratah Bay
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