Japanese billionaire linked to Scott Morrison awarded Order of Australia

A Japanese billionaire has celebrated his AO honour at a private investiture ceremony in Japan during Mr Morrison’s visit last week.

A Japanese billionaire who hosted an international conference attended by Scott Morrison last week was awarded an Order of Australia by the Morrison Government in one of its last acts.

News.com.au can reveal that philanthropist Dr Handa Haruhisa celebrated his AO honour at a private investiture ceremony in Japan during Mr Morrison‘s visit last week with his wife Jenny.

It took place on Thursday, July 28 in Tokyo, on the first day of the conference that was also attended by former British Prime Minister David Cameron.

But Mr Morrison, who skipped the first week of Parliament to attend the World Opinion Leaders Summit in Tokyo, has declined to reveal whether he attended the investiture ceremony or whether he was paid to speak at the international conference.

He has said the trip was “privately funded” and did not involve taxpayers‘ money.

“Declarations regarding Mr Morrison’s register of interests are made in accordance with the requirements of the rules of the House of Representatives,‘’ a spokeswoman said.

In a statement, the Governor-General‘s office confirmed the AO was awarded “under the previous government”.

“Dr Handa Haruhisa was appointed an Honorary Officer of the Order of Australia on 26 May 2022,‘’ a spokesman for the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General said.

Dr Handa Haruhisa celebrated his AO honour at a private investiture ceremony in Japan during Mr Morrison‘s visit last week.

Government House confirmed a ceremony was held while Mr Morrison was in Tokyo but declined to detail the guest list.

“Honorary appointments of this nature are made on the recommendation of the Government. The former Government made the recommendation to the Governor-General.”

Government House confirmed a ceremony was held while Mr Morrison was in Tokyo but declined to detail the guest list.

“Dr Handa was invested by the Australian Charge d’affaires to Japan, Mr Peter Roberts OAM on behalf of the Governor-General, at a ceremony at the Australian Embassy in Tokyo on 28 July 2022,” the spokesman said.

“The guest list at the Investiture ceremony was arranged by the recipient and Embassy. Government House, as is typical with similar ceremonies, is not involved.”

Mr Morrison has been criticised for skipping Parliament to attend the event and urged to declare any payments in accordance with the rules.

“I don’t know the full details of why he’s not here,” Manager of Government business Tony Burke said.

“If someone’s being paid to do another job, I’m not sure how they get away with the taxpayers paying them to do this one.“

Dr Haruhisa Handa is pictured with former PM Tony Abbott at Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour. Picture: Damian Shaw

A generous philanthropist, Dr Handa has donated millions to Opera Australia. He is said to put a Steinway piano in every home he owns in the world, leads a religious sect that boasts 50,000 members and enjoys ballet to keep fit.

Dr Handa was awarded the prestigious AO for distinguished service to the arts, education and sport through philanthropic contributions.

“Dr Haruhisa Handa has a proven record of selfless service and significant philanthropic contributions in Australia’s arts, cultural, sporting and educational fields,‘’ the official documents state.

“Dr Handa’s work fostering and supporting the careers of developing Australian artists, particularly in opera, is exemplary.

“His efforts have expanded the audience for opera in Australia and increased opportunities for inclusive participation in sports.

Dr Handa is also a major sponsor of significant golf tournaments, especially for the visually-impaired, people with disabilities, women and juniors.

He is both the patron of Golf Australia and its International Ambassador alongside Greg Norman AO.

The Tokyo-based businessman was recently hailed as one of the world‘s great philanthropists by former prime minister Tony Aboott, who is a patron of the Handa organisation.

“Dr Handa is one of the most remarkable men I’ve ever met, almost uniquely selfless, whose businesses give away all their profits to good causes, right around the world – from hospitals in Cambodia, to universities in Britain, to wildlife protection in Africa, to performing arts here, and to disability golf everywhere – and I thank him for helping to make this night possible,” Mr Abbott said.

Scott Morrison has 28 days to declare any speaker‘s fees or gifts of travel or accommodation to Parliament.

Originally published as Japanese billionaire linked to Scott Morrison awarded Order of Australia