QANTAS CEO Alan Joyce have been given Australia’s highest civilian honour in the Queen’s Birthday announcements.

Joyce is one of fifteen people given the Companion of the Order of Australia.

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In the citation for the award Joyce was recognised for his service to gender equity, inclusion and diversity, the aviation and tourism industries, alongside his support of Indigenous education.

Joyce’s recognition comes just a few months after Immigration Minister Peter Dutton advised business leaders to “stick to their knitting” and not become involved in social issues.

Also receiving the Companion of the Order of Australia is actress Cate Blanchett. Blanchett was recognised for eminent service to the performing arts as an international stage and screen actor, through seminal contributions as director of artistic organisations, as a role model for women and young performers, and as a supporter of humanitarian and environmental causes.

Human Rights lawyer Julian McMahon also made the list, awarded for his service to the law and the legal profession, through pro bono representation of defendants in capital punishment cases overseas, as an advocate for the abolition of the death penalty, and to human rights and social justice reform.

Fashion designer Collette Dinnigan was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for her career as an internationally renowned fashion designer and entrepreneur, as a supporter and promoter of Australian wool, and to women as a role model.

The ABC’s Election guru Anthony Green can now add AO after his name in recognition of his distinguished service to the broadcast media as an analyst and commentator for state and federal elections, and to the community as a key interpreter of Australian democracy.

Gay rights campaigner Peter ‘Bon’ Bonsall-Boone was posthumously given the Order of Australia for his significant service to the community as a LGBTQI advocate and supporter, and through a range of volunteer roles. The gay rights campaigner passed away last month. His partner Peter De Waal was also honoured.

SBS CEO Michael Ebeid was also given the Order of Australia for significant service to the broadcast media and multicultural affairs as an executive, innovator and business leader.

Former Station Manager of RTRFM 92.1 Ann Tonks has been recognised for her significant service to the performing arts through senior management and advisory roles, to education, and as an author. Tonks was the Executive Director of the Melbourne Theatre Company from 1994 – 2012.

Stephen Page, the Artistic Director of Bangarra Dance Theatre was also named an Officer of the Oder of Australia, while actress Deborah Mailman also made the list.

OIP Staff