A third Australian legend has handed back his Order of Australia award after selectors also acknowledged controversial tennis star Margaret Court for the top honour.
Renowned artist Peter Kingston was named a Member of the Order of Australia in 2012, but has since returned his medal.
The painter, most famous for capturing Sydney Harbour, stood in solidarity with veteran television journalist Kerry O Brien and general practitioner Clara Tuck Meng Soo, who both returned their medals.
Court was one of four people made a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2021 - the highest honour in the nation.
She was given the top gong for eminent service to tennis as an internationally acclaimed player and record-holding grand slam champion, and as a mentor of young sportspersons.
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Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has urged the Morrison government to end a policy “vacuum” on climate change by seizing on the new agenda from US President Joe Biden to commit to net zero emissions by 2050.
Mr Turnbull, made a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in the Australia Day Honours list, named climate change action as one of the main “unfinished” policies of his leadership.
Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull says climate change was his unfinished business as leader.
Credit:James Brickwood
But he said Prime Minister Scott Morrison would “absolutely” face pressure to commit to net zero greenhouse gas emissions as the new US administration sought more ambitious pledges worldwide.
Malcolm Turnbull has said there is “no shortage of irony” that he has received Australia’s highest honour for his contributions towards marriage equality on the same day that Margaret Court, the tennis legend who was a vocal opponent of the 2017 campaign, received the same honour. The former prime minister is one of four people made a companion of the Order of Australia (AC) as part of the 2021 Australia Day honours, on a list that includes.
O Brien, a legendary ABC reporter with more than 50 years experience, was to be appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia - the second highest honour. But he has now turned it down.
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Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, Citi Australia chairman Sam Mostyn and public relations supremo Sue Cato have been recognised in the Australia Day honours.
Former Seven Network chief executive Maureen Kerridge (nee Plavsic), who died in December, was honoured, along with Australian Food and Grocery Council chief executive Tanya Barden, Kingsgate Consolidated chairman Ross Smyth-Kirk, and merchant banker Ken Allen.
In keeping with tradition for former prime ministers, Malcolm Turnbull was recognised for eminent service to the people and Parliament of Australia.Â
James Brickwood
Eclipx chairman and long-time banker Kerry Roxburgh and developer and MAB Corporation founder Michael Buxton were made members in the general division.