The ADF is still not fit for purpose
The Armed Forces and the government need to throw out the old inefficient and expensive way of doing things and think outside the box.
Australian Of The Year
Epitome of grace, courage and the very best of Australia
In a time of turbulence and anxiety, The Australian has chosen Cheng Lei as its 2023 Australian of the Year: a person of exceptional resilience, articulacy, and strength of values.
Brave colleagues put science first after a devastating diagnosis
Professors Richard Scolyer and Georgina Long have worked together to advance the cause of brain cancer treatment – with Professor Scolyer as a human guinea pig.
Bravery of NRL legends’ advocacy for players with brain injuries
They are the rugby league warriors and their families who are bravely pushing NRL powerbrokers to make the game safer.
Kerr in the running after standout showing
Matildas’ captain Sam Kerr’s athletic brilliance is breathtaking but it’s her leadership has seen Australia’s most loved sports team reach great heights.
Future a bright Sky for ‘energised’ Cheng
The former detained journalist has a renewed outlook on life three months after being released from a small Beijing prison cell.
Passionate champion for Indigenous rights
Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has been consistently passionate about improving the lives of Indigenous children, addressing tough issues such as domestic violence and helping build a unified community.
Passion for poetry and for living her best life
From ripping off bush ballads in primary school to receiving the 2016 Prime Minister’s Literary Award for poetry, Sarah Holland-Batt says her spark for poetry was lit in high school.
Forthright O’Neill recognised after turbulent year
Meg O’Neill’s willingness to get on the front foot has seen her nominated for The Australian’s Australian of the Year award.
Physicist pushing world into quantum age
Michelle Simmons is leading the transition from the digital to the quantum age, and putting Australia at the forefront of information processing.
Local hero empowers Indigenous communities
After surviving a rough childhood, Gavin Morris has dedicated his life to working for community and raising the voice of those without one.
New RBA chief’s historic task
Michele Bullock became the first woman to helm the Reserve Bank in the middle of a desperate battle to tame the most severe inflation outbreak the country has seen in a generation.
Awards season beckons for star
With leading roles in two of the most-talked-about films of the year, Priscilla and Saltburn, 2023 was the year Brisbane actor Jacob Elordi became a certified A-lister.
Who will be the Australian of 2023?
Australians have faced a year of significant challenges – a divisive referendum campaign, runaway inflation and rising interest rates, bushfires and floods – and yet heroes have emerged. Help decide the Australian of 2023.
Aussies fear war with China, distrust Xi
Australians back the government’s stabilisation of relations with Beijing but are deeply distrustful of China and its leadership.
Our Australian of the Year named
Kirsty Wright, who risked her career, her reputation and financial security to help uncover glaring failures at the Queensland government forensics laboratory, is our Australian of the Year.
Grieving mother comforted – and calmed – the nation
In her grief, Mechelle Turvey turned Australia’s attention to racism.
Passion and purpose have served PM well
Anthony Albanese is one of only four men who have returned Labor to government from opposition in the post-World War II era.
Brave coup survivor who stood up to tyranny
In the two months since his release, Sean Turnell had expected all manner of mental demons and nightmares to visit him — but they never came.
Abuse victim advocate’s voice is loud and clear
When Jaguar Jonze stood on the Eurovision Australia Decides stage, she did so as a performer, a victim-survivor and an advocate.
Risking all to give crime victims a chance at justice
Forensic biologist Kirsty Wright was relentless in her pursuit for the truth after discovering horrifying problems in the Queensland government’s DNA laboratory.
A true Australian working for all Australians
After she has undertaken diplomatic visits to 24 countries since Labor’s election victory in May, no one could question Penny Wong’s work ethic, talent and commitment.
Hydrologist sailing ahead to lead Indigenous scientific excellence
CSIRO eco-hydrologist Sophie Gilbey’s achievements are a testament to how a single conversation can change the course of life.
Skiing sensation has the world at her feet
Moguls skier Jakara Anthony rode her way down the snowy slopes and into the record books last year.
Bright spark lights up nation with cross-country trek
Sydney sparky Nedd Brockmann inspired the nation when he pushed his body to its absolute limits and ran an unfathomable 4000km across Australia in 46 days.
Using his voice to create real harmony
For the thousands of Australians who tuned into the 2022 ARIA Awards, one acceptance speech may have stood out from the rest – hip-hop Baker Boy speaking in Yolngu Matha.
Bringing hope to war-torn Ukraine
Aid worker Alison Thompson is used to working under enemy fire and with missiles raining down from above. In fact, it’s where she knows she’s most needed.
A role-model hero on and off the track
Peter Bol has one prize front of mind – and that’s winning Olympic gold in Paris next year.
Business leader an inspiring role model for so many
A key player in the global climate response, Macquarie Group chief executive Shemara Wikramanayake has smashed through every barrier on her way to the top.
Neighbours who floated ‘Tinny Army’ earn their plaudits
Lismore local Aidan Ricketts did not give his home a second thought when floodwaters were rapidly rising and inundating his town, all he wanted to do was jump in his tinny and save his neighbours.
Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/topics/australian-of-the-year