King’s Birthday honours Australia 2025: Baz Luhrmann, Scott Morrison lead list

Director Baz Luhrmann, costume designer Catherine Martin and former prime minister Scott Morrison are among those who have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List. Have your say and take our poll.

Growing up in the remote NSW town of Herons Creek, where his father ran a petrol station and cinema, a young Baz Luhrmann became entranced by the magic of movies at an early age.

Taught by his father how to operate the projector in his family’s picture theatre, the small boy was bewitched by the art of filmmaking as he gazed at the screen in the darkened cinema.

It wasn’t long before he picked up a movie camera, developing a passion for the art of storytelling that sparked an unstoppable journey from rural Australia to the heights of Hollywood success.

Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin have received the highest level of recognition in the King’s Birthday Honours List. Picture: FilmMagic

All the while, his creative partner and wife, costume and production designer Catherine Martin, has been by his side, bringing their epic and bombastic productions to life.

The duo have now received the highest level of recognition in the King’s Birthday Honours List, being named Companions of the Order of Australia (AC) for services to the arts as well as their fostering of new talent.

The honour has prompted a deeply moved Luhrmann, the so-called King of Confetti, to reflect on those who have supported him throughout his incredible trajectory from a small town to the nation’s most commercially successful director.

“My personal journey from a small, rural town to the world stage would not have been possible but for those who came before having the vision to support the arts, allowing us to reflect our stories back to ourselves and participate in global culture as Australians,” the Elvis director said.

“Catherine Martin and I feel this honour recognises not just us, but those who have made access to the arts possible for every Australian.”

Baz Luhrmann with Aussie star and muse Nicole Kidman. Picture: Getty Images

Martin, who alongside Luhrmann relocated the global head office of their company Bazmark from Sydney to the Gold Coast last year, was equally moved by their inclusion on this year’s eclectic honour roll of high-achieving Australians.

“I am so honoured to be joining the ranks of so many illustrious Australians, whom I have admired and been inspired by,” she said.

“Being recognised in your home country is especially meaningful.”

Former prime minister Scott Morrison has been made a Companion of the Order of Australia. Picture: Jason Edwards

Scott Morrison, the nation’s 30th prime minister, has also been made an AC for his services to the people and leadership of the national Covid-19 response.

The former PM said he was “honoured and grateful” for the award.

Beloved TV personality Deborah Hutton, who has worked tirelessly to raise skin cancer awareness after her own diagnosis and treatment, said she was “grateful” to have received the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to community health and media.

The former magazine editor, who has won a legion of new fans with her elegant range of Canopy Bay sun-smart hats, said she felt “extremely lucky” and “a bit overwhelmed”, giving credit to those who worked behind the scenes.

“I think more than anything it’s a reflection for me, in terms of some of the causes that I’ve talked about, it’s the people behind — the volunteers and the people who really do the work,” she said.

Deborah Hutton has been honoured for services to community health and media. Picture: Jeff Darmanin

“And if you’re talking about skin cancer, then it is the doctors and the researchers if anything this is really on behalf of them.

“It’s been a blessing in my life, having skin cancer, which is kind of a weird thing to say, but I honestly believe that it was meant to happen because it’s allowed me to have a voice around it that’s been able to have an impact and I’m extremely grateful to have that opportunity.”

Olympic swimmer Nicole Livingstone said she was honoured to receive the Office of Order of Australia for her service to sports development and administration, as well as the promotion of women in sport and community health, describing it as “a really lovely surprise”.

Nicole Livingstone is throwing the spotlight on volunteering after receiving the Office of Order of Australia. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Ms Livingstone, the current CEO of the Victorian Institute of Sport and the former boss of the AFLW, credited her parents with instilling in her a sense of hard work and strong ethics, saying volunteering was vital to society.

“Hopefully this inspires people moving forward to donate their time, to volunteer their time to make a difference,” said Ms Livingstone, who previously received the Order of Australia Medal 30 years ago after retiring from swimming.

Operatic soprano, radio presenter and psychologist Greta Bradman, who said she was “humbled” to receive the Member of the Order of Australia, is similarly passionate about the importance of volunteering, which she said she fell into at a young age.

Honoured for her services to the performing arts and psychology, the granddaughter of Sir Donald Bradman promotes positive mental health for those in the performing arts and also works as a principal AI experience architect for an employee experience platform.

Ms Bradman, the chair of the Bradman Foundation, said the honour had made her reflect on the legacy of her beloved grandparents, Sir Donald and Lady Jessie, who she said “would be really touched”.

Greta Bradman has been recognised for her services to arts and psychology. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Governor-General Sam Mostyn said the recipients were being honoured for “the selfless service, integrity, achievement, creativity, and care that flourish across our country” as she offered her congratulations.

Other Australians honoured this year include Nick Kaldas, the former NSW Deputy Police Commissioner and chair of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicides, who has been made an Officer of the Order of Australia.

Julie-Ann Finney, the mother of a navy veteran who tragically took his own life, has received the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to veterans.

Originally published as King’s Birthday honours Australia 2025: Baz Luhrmann, Scott Morrison lead list