Cathy Freeman, the beloved Olympic sprinter, has been appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in this year's Australia Day Honours list, the country's highest civilian honour. The honours committee praised her athletic achievements, social impact, work on reconciliation, and role as a youth role model.
Among the 680 civilian awardees, former Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and former NSW Premier Kristina Keneally were recognised, sparking debate over political appointments. Palaszczuk, also a Companion, expressed surprise and gratitude, thanking Queenslanders for their support during crises.
Other notable recipients include eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, who received a Public Service Medal for enforcing Australia's world-first social media ban, and late Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst, posthumously made a Member of the Order. Quantum physicist Michelle Simmons, a former Australian of the Year, was also appointed Companion.
The list honoured 949 Australians, with 496 men and 184 women among the civilian awardees. Indigenous activist Tanya Hosch, appointed a Member, highlighted her work on the Recognise movement and AFL inclusion.
