Latest news with #KingBirthdayHonours
SBS Australia
a day ago
- Entertainment
- SBS Australia
SBS News in Filipino, Monday 9 June 2025
830 Australians named on the King's Birthday Honours list SBS turns 50 today Indian nationals may enter PH visa-free starting June 8 SBS Filipino 09/06/2025 06:33 📢 Where to Catch SBS Filipino
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Aussies unleash after Scott Morrison receives top accolade in King's Birthday Honours: 'Baffles me'
Australians have lashed out after Scott Morrison was awarded the highest accolade in the King's Birthday Honours List. The former prime minister, who led the nation for four years from 2018 to 2022, was recognised for his 'eminent service to the people and the parliament of Australia, particularly as prime minister'. A Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) is the highest award of the Order of Australia honours system. It is followed by Officer of the Order (AO), Member of the Order (AM), and Medal of the Order (OAM). Former prime ministers are typically honoured in the King's Birthday awards, but the 30th prime minister's recognition sparked widespread criticism. Mr Morrison's term as prime minister was overshadowed by multiple controversies, including his secret appointment to several ministerial portfolios, involvement in the Robodebt scandal, and his widely criticised remark during the 2019 Black Summer bushfires: 'I don't hold a hose, mate'. On Monday, Australians took to social media to blast the former PM. 'If you get a shiny trinket just because your a*** has occupied the PM's chair then what is that trinket worth?' one Australian wrote on X. 'Someone should have intervened to deprive Australia's worst ever Prime Minister of this award.' 'It baffles me that we award public servants for doing the job they were paid for. I understand if they do something 'special', but politicians very rarely do,' another added. 'Morrison certainly did nothing 'special'. Not to mention the retirement package that they all enjoy.' 'It's demeaning of the honour system to be giving this cruel, disingenuous s***-bag any honour,' a third added. One Aussie kept a close tally of Mr Morrison's missteps. 'You lied to the public. Repeatedly. You appointed yourself to five secret ministries. Then claimed it was no big deal,' they wrote. 'You prayed the virus away, outsourced the vaccine rollout, then took credit when premiers fixed your mess. 'You fled to Hawaii during a bushfire crisis. Then blamed your daughters. 'Oh Scotty. Even your religion's ashamed of you. Jesus turned water into wine. You turned democracy into a private members club for gas executives.' Some Australians said Mr Morrison was 'underrated'. 'Respect, well deserved,' one wrote. 'Well deserved, Scomo is very underrated and deserves a lot more respect than what he is given,' another said. Since the establishment of the Order of Australia in 1975, every ex-prime minister has been appointed a Companion except Paul Keating. He declined because he believed the honours should be reserved for those whose community work went unrecognised. Mr Morrison's honour specifically points to his 'notable contributions to global engagement, to leadership of the national Covid response, to economic initiatives, and to national security enhancements, especially through leadership of Australia's contribution to AUKUS'. He received significant support during the early days of the pandemic, with an April 2020 Newspoll revealing he had the highest satisfaction rating for any prime minister since Kevin Rudd in 2009. But by the end of his second term, he had become the most unpopular major party leader since at least 1987, according to an Australian National University study. The King's Birthday Honours List names 581 people in the General Division of the Order of Australia, including academics, ex-sport stars, leaders and creatives. 'These honours recognise the selfless service, integrity, achievement, creativity, and care that flourish across our country,' Governor-General Sam Mostyn said. Fourteen people were appointed to the highest honour, AC. Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin, best known for their work on films including Moulin Rouge, The Great Gatsby and Strictly Ballroom, received the accolade for their service to the arts. Environmental scientist Mark Howden, who served as a vice chair on the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, was also appointed to AC alongside business leader Jennifer Westacott and NASA climate science centre co-director Graeme Stephens. Bangerang and Wiradjuri woman Geraldine Atkinson has been named an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia for her work with Indigenous communities and reconciliation.
SBS Australia
2 days ago
- Politics
- SBS Australia
The King's Birthday Honours List is revealed
830 Australians named on the King's Birthday Honours list Further deadly incidents outside aid distribution centres in Gaza Carlos Alcaraz retains his French Open title for a second straight year 830 Australians have been recognised as part of the King's Birthday Honours. 14 Australians have been awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia, including Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin for their services to the arts. Former prime minister Scott Morrison has been appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia for his leadership on the issues of COVID-19, economic initiatives, and the establishment of the AUKUS agreement. The Wiradjuri Elder also known as Aunty Millie has been recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia in the General Division for her significant service to the Indigenous community of New South Wales. She says she's grateful to receive the honour this year. "Last year I was recognised as Elder of the Year for Naidoc and that's by my Aboriginal peers, so that was exciting too. So I'll like accept the award because people are happy to give me an award. I'm happy to take it and I'll take it in good grace." There's been two further deadly incidents near aid centres in Gaza, with at least 13 reported dead and 150 wounded, according to Palestinian health officials and witnesses. The civilians had been heading to two aid distribution, run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US-backed group that's been criticised by the United Nations and humanitarian agencies. Israel's military says troops opened fire in southern Gaza, adding that they were warning shots directed at a group that was moving towards soldiers. Witnesses say the incident occurred around 6am, and the bodies were taken to Nasser Hospital, which confirmed the death toll. Adham Dahman says he was injured in the attack. "They told us there was aid west of Rafah. They posted the news yesterday. We went to the aid point, they let us in, then surrounded us. A tank came, surrounded us, and began firing shells at us. The boat fired at us, and the soldiers also shot at us. We couldn't get out. We all left, wounded and martyred, and there are still martyrs lying on the ground to this day." The opposition's spokesman on trade says Australia's critical mineral supply could be a valuable tool for negotiations with President Trump over tariff exemptions. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to meet the United States President in Canada this week, on the sidelines of the G-7 summit. Australia is rich in critical minerals such as lithium, vanadium, manganese, cobalt and tungsten, as well as rare earth minerals. Shadow trade minister Kevin Hogan says such minerals are an important asset that can be used in negotiations with the US. "Look I'm not going to lay down what critical minerals are the most important and the way we should play that, but certainly as a national security partner, and supply chain reliability, with whole lot of things, critical minerals and a whole lot of other things, I certainly think that should be a part a deal that we do, absolutely." A candlelight vigil has been held in northeast Queensland for Pheobe Bishop, after police discovered human remains in the search for the missing 17-year-old. Forensic testing is being undertaken to formally identify the remains discovered near Good Night Scrub National Park near Gin Gin. The discovery came after Pheobe's accused housemates, 34-year-old James Wood and 33-year-old Tanika Bromley, were arrested and remanded in custody. Both have been charged with murder and interfering with a corpse. Ms Bishop's cousin Whitney Woodfield says Pheobe was a loving and loyal person and is hugely missed by her friends and family. "Honestly, I will remember her as the loyal person she was. She was always that first person to stand up and defend someone, even when that person couldn't defend herself. Something I always loved about her too was how much she loved children, being excited for her sister in law to have a niece, and being excited for our friends, she just loved children. The way that she cherished them is something I'll always remember." In Tennis, Carlos Alcaraz has successfully defended his French Open crown against Jannik Sinner. After the longest and perhaps most epic of all Roland Garros showdowns - lasting five hours and 29 minutes - champion Alcaraz prevailed 4-6 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 [10-2] against world No.1 Sinner to win his fifth grand slam.
ABC News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- ABC News
King's Birthday Honours to recognise Hollywood heavyweights and COVID-era prime minister
From Hollywood heavyweights to humble community advocates, some 830 Australians will be recognised as part of the King's Birthday 2025 Honours on Monday. Those include 413 Medals of the Order (OAM), 123 Members of the Order (AM), 31 Officers of the Order (AO), and 14 Companions of the Order (AC) — the highest honour within the Order of Australia. Among the recipients who have been appointed a Companion of the Order are Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin for their services to the arts. Mr Luhrmann's string of successful films — from the 1992 Australian film Strictly Ballroom to the 2022 blockbuster biopic Elvis — have made him the country's most commercially successful director. Ms Martin, an award-winning costume, production and set designer — and a frequent collaborator with Mr Luhrmann — has won more Oscars for her work than any other Australian. Mr Luhrmann said his personal journey from a small, rural town in mid-north New South Wales to the world stage would not have been possible without those who came before him who "had the vision to support the arts". Ms Martin said that being recognised in her home country was "especially meaningful". "I am so honoured to be joining the ranks of so many illustrious Australians, whom I have admired and been inspired by," she said. Former prime minister Scott Morrison has also been appointed an AC for his leadership, particularly through the COVID-19 pandemic. A trailblazer for women who has held senior roles across a number of sectors, Wendy McCarthy has been appointed an AC for her work. The businesswoman, advocate, and former ABC deputy-chair has been recognised for her long-standing service to various communities including children, arts, business, health and women's leadership. Having led and worked for a number of organisations, in both the public and private sectors, Ms McCarthy said she had lived a "purposeful life" but had been left "strangely awe-struck" by the honour. The most important piece of advice she could give to young women: "Keep your head and heart together". Long-time ABC Radio National Late Night Live host, Phillip Adams, has been appointed for his eminent service to broadcast media, journalism, the arts, cultural leadership, and to the community. Apart from hosting the show for over 33 years, Mr Adams — who bid farewell to the program last years — said he was most proud of his work supporting the Australian film industry and his work advising the government on long-term issues like climate change through the Commission for the Future. Mr Adams said he was "very, very pleased" to be appointed the honour by King Charles, and was asked if he felt conflicted being appointed the honour as a staunch Republican. Eight more former ABC employees have been recognised in this year's honours list, including Matthew Peacock, Sally Loane, and Dr Cherie Romaro who have all been appointed an AM. Former ABC staff Ken Casellas, Gerald Doyle, Carol Duncan and Moira Hansen have been awarded an OAM. Emily Korir has been awarded an OAM for her commitment and service to people living with disabilities and multicultural communities in South Australia. Born in Kenya, Ms Korir moved to Australia for university, but in 2012 her life changed. At just 37 years-old, and only 10 months after her second child was born, she suffered a severe stroke. After her stroke, Ms Korir struggled to find housing suited to her accessibility needs, leading her and her husband to start their family business, disability support agency BET Group, from their home. "Australia has given me a chance to rewrite my story, not just to survive but to thrive," Ms Korir said. Noongar elder Gregory Little has spent decades working within the Western Australian prison system, offering peer support to inmates, and starting conversations that he hopes have saved lives. For his services to the community, particularly to First Nations social welfare, he has been awarded an OAM. "I know a lot of people don't like prisoners," Mr Little said. His compassion for those behind bars didn't stop once Mr Little retired from his job at Bunbury Regional Prison, two hours south of Perth. "I don't mind sitting there for an hour, two hours, three just to know where they're at," he said "When you get something like [this medal] you know you've done something right for the community." Pioneering reef and climate change scientist, Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, has been appointed an AC. Professor Hoegh-Guldberg said he was "gobsmacked" when he was told he was receiving the award. The University of Queensland Professor was the first to sound the alarm of the threats posed by climate change and ocean warming on coral reefs. He said watching what his research has become through the work of other scientists is his legacy. For decades, Professor Mark Howden has worked on climate variability, climate change, innovation, and adaption issues. He also happens to share the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore and other Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) members. For his work, Professor Howden too has be appointed an AC. "If you survey the average Australian, nine out of 10 will actually say they want more action on climate change so I think the message has got through," Professor Howden said. General Practitioner and Associate Professor Emma Kennedy is among the Northern Territorians to be appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). As Flinders University NT Medical Program director, Ms Kennedy has trained hundreds of health professionals, improving access to healthcare. "We've got really challenging circumstances here in the NT, so I just want to keep working with people to continue to train good doctors, people who want to stay in the Territory and work here," she said. Tasmanian Ros Cornish has also been appointed a Member of the Order (AM) for her significant service to early childhood education. Ms Cornish has long lobbied for quality early childhood education and care services, and improved wages for early child care workers, both in Tasmania and nationally. Despite her work, Ms Cornish said she felt embarrassed, but humbled, to receive the honour. "It was really just my job," Ms Cornish said. "Some of us would say that we're still advocating for the same things we did a few decade ago. "But we have made some gains and we have made some inroads." Mohamed Farouk Adam moved from South Africa to Australia 25 years ago and decided the only way he was going to make Brisbane feel like home was to treat it like one. He said he went to every mosque across the city; offering his time and services to every one, and signed up to assist with several charities. Mr Adam has been awarded an OAM for his service to Queensland's Muslim community, and for his steadfast leadership of the region's Muslim diaspora. When the ABC spoke to him, he was standing at the Kuraby Mosque in Beenleigh, south of Brisbane. It was reduced to rubble after it was targeted in an act of arson, days after the 9/11 terrorist attack. Now, it's been rebuilt — Mr Adam said something beautiful has risen from the ashes. Professor John Rosenberg has been awarded an OAM for his service to higher education and to Melbourne's Jewish community. In 1999, Professor Rosenberg founded the synagogue Kehilat Nitzan — roughly translating to "budding community" — to create a space for Melbourne's small but committed Masorti population. "Everybody is welcome in the congregation, and every single person can take part in every element of our services," Professor Rosenberg said, reflecting on the egalitarian ethos that has shaped Kehilat Nitzan from the start. What began as a gathering of about 20 people in a former tyre shop has grown into a congregation of more than 200 families. Professor Rosenberg said he often marvels at what the community has become.
BBC News
3 days ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Kings Birthday Honours: How does the UK honours system work?
Details of the individuals recognised in the King's Birthday Honours list will be released on 14 June. Actor Stephen Fry, former England football manager Gareth Southgate and London Mayor Sadiq Khan were among those knighted in the most recent New Year Honours typically celebrate the contribution of well-known personalities, government employees and ordinary people who have served their community. When are UK honours awarded? Most UK honours are awarded at new year and on the monarch's official birthday in 2025 New Year Honours list also included an MBE for Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson, and CBEs for services to drama for actresses Sarah Lancashire and Carey was a damehood for senior Labour MP Emily Thornberry, and OBEs for services to justice for four former sub-postmasters who took the Post Office to court over the Horizon IT 2024 King's Birthday Honours list created three new dames: the actress Imelda Staunton, designer Anya Hindmarch and artist Tracey Emin. The King's first civilian gallantry list in May 2024 saw nine people receive bravery awards. Dissolution honours are typically given to politicians when Parliament ends before a general election. Outgoing prime ministers can also award resignation honours. Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak named 36 people in his resignation honours list - most of whom were high-profile former Conservative ministers, and advisors. Boris Johnson and Liz Truss both issued resignation honours when they left office in Johnson's controversial list initially contained eight names rejected by the body which approves appointments to the House of Lords. Ms Truss was widely criticised for submitting an honours list after only 49 days in the job. How are people chosen for honours? The New Year and King's Birthday honours are awarded by the King following recommendations by the prime minister or senior government of the public can also recommend people for an award. These nominations typically make up about a quarter of all lists include awards for people who:have made significant achievements in public lifecommitted themselves to serving and helping Britain Resignation and dissolution honours are decided by the relevant prime minister and do not go through the same Foreign Office has responsibility for the Diplomatic Service and Overseas List. Honorary awards for foreign nationals are recommended by the foreign are traditionally kept confidential until the official announcement, with lists provided to media outlets under embargo. How and when do people get their honours? Honours are typically awarded by the King, Prince of Wales or Princess Royal, at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle or the Palace of can select their investiture's date and location but not which member of the Royal Family will preside over the ceremony. British Empire Medals are presented locally by lord-lieutenants, who represent the King. Recipients are also invited to attend a royal garden party. What does the King do? How are nominees vetted? People in line for an honour are checked by the Honours and Appointments Secretariat, which is part of the Cabinet Office government Cabinet Office has agreements with other government departments to let it access confidential information about example, HMRC provides a low, medium or high-risk rating on a nominee's tax are vetted by the House of Lords Appointments Commission.A Parliamentary and Political Services Committee considers honours for politicians and for political service. What is the House of Lords and how does it work? Can you turn down an honour? When somebody is approved for an honour, they are sent a letter asking if they will accept it.A list of 277 people who turned down honours between 1951 and 1999 - and subsequently died - was made public following a BBC Freedom of Information included authors Roald Dahl, JG Ballard and Aldous Huxley, and painters Francis Bacon, Lucien Freud and LS Lowry. The late poet Benjamin Zephaniah rejected an OBE in 2003 because of the association with the British Empire and its history of musicians who declined a British honour Can an honour be removed? Some people have had their honours withdrawn by the Honours Forfeiture include disgraced former entertainer Rolf Harris, who went to prison for 12 indecent assaults on four girls, and Anthony Blunt, the former art adviser to the Queen who was revealed to be a Soviet spy. In January 2024, former Post Office boss Paula Vennells said she would hand back her CBE after facing mounting pressure over the Horizon IT months earlier, actor and TV presenter Alan Cumming returned his OBE over what he called the "toxicity" of the British Empire. What are the different types of honours? Knights and DamesThe honour of knighthood comes from the days of medieval chivalry, as does the method used to confer the knighthood - the accolade, or the touch of a sword, by the sovereign.A knight is styled "Sir" and their wife "Lady".Women receiving the honour are styled "Dame" but do not receive the honour is given for a pre-eminent contribution in any field of rank of Knight Commander (KBE) or Dame Commander (DBE), Order of the British Empire, appears on the Diplomatic Service and Overseas Order of the BathThe Order of the Bath is an order of chivalry and was founded in 1725 for service of the highest has a civil and military division and is awarded in the following ranks: Knight Grand Cross (GCB), Knight Commander (KCB) and Companion (CB).The Order takes its name from the symbolic bathing which, in former times, was often part of the preparation of a candidate for of St Michael and St GeorgeThis Order was founded by King George III in 1818 and is awarded to British subjects who have rendered extraordinary and important services abroad or in the in the Order are Knight or Dame Grand Cross (GCMG), Knight or Dame Commander (KCMG or DCMG) and Companion (CMG).Order of the Companions of HonourThis is awarded for service of conspicuous national importance and is limited to 65 people. Recipients are entitled to put the initials CH after their of the British EmpireKing George V created these honours during World War One to reward services to the war effort by civilians at home and service personnel in support ranks are Commander (CBE), Officer (OBE), and Member (MBE).They are now awarded for prominent national or regional roles, and to those making distinguished or notable contributions in their own specific areas of Empire Medal (BEM)The medal was founded in 1917 and was awarded for "meritorious" actions by civilians or military personnel, although the recipients did not attend a royal in 1993 by Conservative Prime Minister John Major, the BEM was revived in Victorian OrderBy 1896, prime ministers and governments had increased their influence over the distribution of awards and had gained almost total control of the response, Queen Victoria instituted The Royal Victorian Order as a personal award for services performed on behalf of the Royal ranks are Knight or Dame Grand Cross (GCVO), Knight or Dame Commander (KCVO or DCVO), Commander (CVO), Lieutenant (LVO) and Member (MVO).Royal Victorian MedalAssociated with the Royal Victorian Order is the Royal Victorian Medal which has three grades: gold, silver and bronze. The circular medal is attached to the ribbon of the Red CrossFounded in 1883 by Queen Victoria, the award is confined to the nursing services. Those awarded the First Class are designated "Members" (RRC): those awarded the Second Class are designated "Associates" (ARRC).King's Police MedalAwarded for distinguished service in the police Fire Service MedalGiven to firefighters who have displayed conspicuous devotion to Ambulance Service MedalAwarded for distinguished service in the ambulance Gallantry MedalAwarded to civilians, for acts of exemplary Commendation for BraveryAwarded to civilians and all ranks of the British armed forces, for actions not in the presence of an Commendation for Bravery in the AirAwarded to civilians and all ranks of the British armed forces, for acts of bravery in the air not in the presence of an enemy.
