Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison has received the prestigious Companion of the Order of Australia honour in this year’s King’s Birthday honours list, recognised for his significant contributions to the country. He is among 14 recipients, alongside notable figures such as filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and his wife, costume designer Catherine Martin, as well as business leader Jennifer Westacott and former CSIRO chair Kathryn Fagg.
Governor-General Samantha Mostyn highlighted that these awards celebrate the selfless service and achievements shown by Australians nationwide. Morrison’s honour, in particular, acknowledges his dedicated service to the parliament and the people of Australia, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic and through his leadership on international collaboration, including the AUKUS agreement which aims to enhance national security by providing Australia with nuclear-powered submarines.
Serving as Prime Minister from 2018 until the Coalition’s defeat in the 2022 federal election, Morrison led the Liberal and National parties to a surprising victory in the 2019 election despite facing significant challenges. His tenure saw Australia maintain one of the lowest fatality rates from COVID-19 globally.
However, his premiership was not without controversy. Criticisms arose over his decision to take a family holiday in Hawaii during the devastating Black Summer bushfires, as well as his handling of vaccine procurement during the pandemic. Additionally, as Minister for Social Services, he oversaw the contentious robodebt scheme, with a royal commission later revealing that he failed to ensure proper governance, a claim he disputed as unfounded.
One of the most contentious issues that emerged post-premiership was the revelation that he had secretly sworn himself into five additional ministerial portfolios during the pandemic, bypassing the ministers responsible for these areas, which drew widespread backlash.
Since its establishment in 1975, it has been a tradition for former prime ministers to be awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia. Paul Keating is the only one who has declined the honour, turning it down in 1997. Besides Morrison, this year’s list includes luminaries such as Luhrmann and Martin, recognised for their contributions to the Australian film industry, alongside other distinguished individuals like former Olympic swimmer Nicole Livingstone, who was honoured with an Officer of the Order of Australia.