'Immense privilege': ex-PM Morrison in honours list

Perth Now

6 hours ago

Former prime minister Scott Morrison says he is "honoured and grateful" to have been appointed to Australia's highest civilian honour.
Mr Morrison is one of 14 people appointed as a Companion of the Order of Australia in the annual King's Birthday Honours List, alongside filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and Oscar-winning costume designer Catherine Martin.
"I am honoured and grateful to have been awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia," he said in a statement.
"It was an immense privilege to be given the opportunity by the Australian people to serve them as their 30th Prime Minister of Australia.
"During this time Australia faced challenges and threats not experienced since the Second World War.
"Australians responded to these events in the best traditions of Australian patriotism and mateship with trademark courage and a care for their country and one another."
Mr Morrison led the country from 2018 to 2022, but his prime ministership was defined by several controversies, including his handling of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, as well as taking a holiday in Hawaii during the Black Summer bushfires.
It also emerged after his stint in office he had secretly appointed himself to five ministerial positions during the pandemic.
Mr Morrison said he was inspired during his time in office by the ability of Australians to respond to challenging scenarios.
"As prime minister it was these innate qualities of Australians that I and my government relied upon to lead Australia through these myriad crises and keep Australians together," he said.
Every former prime minister has been appointed an AC in the honours list since their inception in 1975, with the exception of Paul Keating, who turned it down.
The 2025 King's Birthday Honours recognise 830 people, an increase of more than 30 per cent from the Australia Day Honours.
Governor-General Sam Mostyn said the honourees exemplified selfless service and integrity.
"I see the values of care, kindness and respect in the many Australians who are honoured today and in those who have been recognised throughout the 50 year history of our Australian honours system," she said.
"Every day, and all across the country, Australians are doing extraordinary things with passion, generosity, energy and resolve."
Broadcaster and journalist Phillip Adams was also appointed as an AC, as well as author JM Coetzee and businesswoman Jennifer Westacott.
Former Olympic swimmer Nicole Livingstone was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia, along with former NSW deputy police commissioner and royal commissioner into veteran suicide Nick Kaldas.