Scott Morrison Among Recipients of King's Birthday Honours
Former Prime Minister Recognized for His Service to Australia
Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been recognized as a Companion of the Order of Australia in this year's King's Birthday honours list, marking one of the highest forms of recognition in the nation.
Alongside Morrison, 13 other individuals were bestowed with the same honour, including acclaimed film director Baz Luhrmann and his wife, costume designer Catherine Martin, business leader Jennifer Westacott, and former chair of CSIRO, Kathryn Fagg.
The Governor-General of Australia, Samantha Mostyn, stated, "These honours recognize the selfless service, integrity, achievement, creativity, and care that flourish across our country." She emphasized the values of kindness and respect in the Australians being recognized through the honours system, which has been in place for 50 years.
Morrison received the honour for his eminent service to the people and parliament of Australia, highlighting his notable contributions to global engagement and leadership, particularly during Australia's national COVID-19 response and economic initiatives.
Under his leadership, Australia formed the AUKUS pact with the United States and the United Kingdom, aiming to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.
Morrison held the position of Prime Minister from 2018, following a leadership change that ousted his predecessor, Malcolm Turnbull, until the Coalition's defeat in the 2022 federal election.
His government secured an unexpected victory in the 2019 election,
while also overseeing a period in which Australia recorded one of the lowest fatality rates globally from the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to his achievements, Morrison faced criticism during his tenure, particularly concerning his decision to take a family holiday in Hawaii during the catastrophic Black Summer bushfires, as well as his "I don’t hold a hose" remark.
He was also criticized for the delayed procurement of vaccines amid the pandemic.
As the Minister for Social Services, he was involved in the controversial robodebt scheme, which has faced scrutiny and has been the subject of a royal commission that found him culpable in allowing the cabinet to be misled.
An additional controversy arose post-premiership, revealing that Morrison had sworn himself into five ministries secretly during the pandemic without informing the relevant ministers.
Customarily, former Prime Ministers are granted the honour of Companionship of the Order of Australia.
Since its inception in 1975, the only former Prime Minister not to hold this honour is Paul Keating, who declined it in 1997.
Alongside Morrison on the honours list are Luhrmann and Martin, notable figures in the Australian film industry, celebrated for their works including _Romeo + Juliet_, _Moulin Rouge!_, and _The Great Gatsby_.
Former Olympic swimmer and AFLW executive Nicole Livingstone and principal Nine Entertainment shareholder Bruce Gordon were acknowledged as Officers of the Order of Australia, the second-highest honour, in this year's awards.
Alongside Morrison, 13 other individuals were bestowed with the same honour, including acclaimed film director Baz Luhrmann and his wife, costume designer Catherine Martin, business leader Jennifer Westacott, and former chair of CSIRO, Kathryn Fagg.
The Governor-General of Australia, Samantha Mostyn, stated, "These honours recognize the selfless service, integrity, achievement, creativity, and care that flourish across our country." She emphasized the values of kindness and respect in the Australians being recognized through the honours system, which has been in place for 50 years.
Morrison received the honour for his eminent service to the people and parliament of Australia, highlighting his notable contributions to global engagement and leadership, particularly during Australia's national COVID-19 response and economic initiatives.
Under his leadership, Australia formed the AUKUS pact with the United States and the United Kingdom, aiming to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.
Morrison held the position of Prime Minister from 2018, following a leadership change that ousted his predecessor, Malcolm Turnbull, until the Coalition's defeat in the 2022 federal election.
His government secured an unexpected victory in the 2019 election,
while also overseeing a period in which Australia recorded one of the lowest fatality rates globally from the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to his achievements, Morrison faced criticism during his tenure, particularly concerning his decision to take a family holiday in Hawaii during the catastrophic Black Summer bushfires, as well as his "I don’t hold a hose" remark.
He was also criticized for the delayed procurement of vaccines amid the pandemic.
As the Minister for Social Services, he was involved in the controversial robodebt scheme, which has faced scrutiny and has been the subject of a royal commission that found him culpable in allowing the cabinet to be misled.
An additional controversy arose post-premiership, revealing that Morrison had sworn himself into five ministries secretly during the pandemic without informing the relevant ministers.
Customarily, former Prime Ministers are granted the honour of Companionship of the Order of Australia.
Since its inception in 1975, the only former Prime Minister not to hold this honour is Paul Keating, who declined it in 1997.
Alongside Morrison on the honours list are Luhrmann and Martin, notable figures in the Australian film industry, celebrated for their works including _Romeo + Juliet_, _Moulin Rouge!_, and _The Great Gatsby_.
Former Olympic swimmer and AFLW executive Nicole Livingstone and principal Nine Entertainment shareholder Bruce Gordon were acknowledged as Officers of the Order of Australia, the second-highest honour, in this year's awards.
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