Calls for greater diversity in Australia Day honours

LATE cancer campaigner Connie Johnson is among almost 900 incredible Australians being recognised in today’s honours list.

EACH year on Australia Day, a new crop of amazing Australians are recognised for their achievements and services to the country, but this year, for one recipient, it was a little different.

Rather than being presented with the Medal of the Order of Australia at a ceremony today, late breast cancer charity campaigner Connie Johnston — now officially Ms Constance Anne Johnson OAM — was given her medal last September and will have the honour officially recognised.

The day before she died almost six months ago, Governor-general Peter Cosgrove visited the 40-year-old mother of two and presented her with the award in her hospice bed.

Today Connie will be officially recognised for service to people with breast cancer alongside almost 900 Australians across a wide range of professions and industries receiving Australia Day Honours.

Connie Johnson received her Medal of the Order of Australia from Governor-General Peter Cosgrove early. Picture: AAP/Facebook, Love Your Sister

High profile recipients include journalist Tracey Spicer, who has been recognised for her work in journalism and service to charities, and a number of well-known sporting identities including tennis champ Evonne Goolagong-Cawley and the late Betty Cuthbert.

Scientists featured heavily on the honours list, but only one woman, Professor Jenny Martin, was honoured in the field.

“There are so, so many incredible women scientists out there so that makes me very sad indeed to hear that statistic — but not surprised,” Prof Martin said.

Only one in three people recognised in this year’s honours list are women.

The lack of diversity prompted Governor-General to speak out about the issue.

“These are our nation’s honours, reserved for those who are often unsung, quietly working away to uplift our nation,” Sir Peter said in his Australia Day message on Friday.

“We’d love to see more diversity in our awards — for women, migrants, indigenous Australians, young people — let’s make sure everyone gets a fair go and the chance to be recognised by their country.”

Tracey Spicer has been made a Member of the Order of Australia.

Official figures showed 77.3 per cent of General Division Order of Australia nominations for women resulted in an award, slightly above the 72.5 per cent hit rate overall.

Spicer, who was appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia, said it was time for greater cultural and gender diversity in both those who select those honoured and the recipients themselves.

“For decades, women have made up only a third of the honorees,” she said. “This makes no sense when women comprise more than half the population, and undertake the vast majority of unpaid labour in our society.”

Sports men and women were prominent in the honours list, including the late Betty Cuthbert, Evonne Goolagong-Cawley, Karrie Webb, Belinda Clark, Shane Gould, Rechelle Hawkes, Susie O’Neill, Simon Poidevin, Michael Turtur and Jan Stephenson.

Walter Mikac will be awarded the prestigious OAM — Medal of the Order of Australia. Picture: Elise Derwin

Two federal political figures, former Democrats leader Meg Lees and retired Liberal Party director Brian Loughnane, were recognised for their contributions to the parliament and public policy.

Actor John Gaden, a 76-year-old veteran of stage and screen, is among the artists to be honoured.

Many scientists also made the list, including physicist Gregory Clark and biochemist Jenny Martin.

Gun control advocate Walter Mikac, who lost his wife and children in the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, and high-profile lawyer Geoffrey Robertson QC were also recognised.