This year’s Honours List includes some of the first recipients recognised for their contribution in support of Australia’s response to the 2019-20 bushfires and COVID-19 pandemic.
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Governor General David Hurley inspects the Royal Guard during the Australia Day Flag Raising Ceremony at Lake Burley Griffin on January 26, 2020 in Canberra, Australia. (Getty)
A number of Australians have also been recognised for their services to healthcare, education and the emergency services during 2020, a year, of course, marked by the coronavirus pandemic and bushfire devastation.
Governor-General David Hurley said the honours helped celebrate the contributions of people from every part of the community. On behalf of all Australians, I congratulate everyone recognised in the Australia Day Honours list, Mr Hurley said. The individuals we celebrate today come from all parts of our great nation and have served the community in almost every way conceivable.
Kerry O Brien has rejected his Australia Day honour in protest against the decision to give Margaret Court Australia s highest award, which he labelled deeply insensitive and divisive .
The distinguished journalist and television news presenter was named as an Officer of the Order of Australia recipient, the second-highest honour, ahead of Australia Day celebrations today.
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Journalist, Kerry O Brien, refused to accept an Australia Day honour.(Elesa Kurtz)
However, in a letter to the governor general s secretary on Sunday, the renowned journalist said there was something fundamentally wrong with the honours awards.
Mr O Brien labelled Ms Court s appointment as a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) as a deeply insensitive and divisive decision .