LGBT Rights Advocates and HIV Researchers Recognised in Australia Day Honours

australian_flagGay Rights advocate Rodney Croome was praised by the Prime Minister Tony Abbott ahead of the announcement of Australian of the Year. Mr Abbott said all of the nominees for Australian of the Year would be worthy of the award.

“We honour those who have dedicated themselves to building a better Australia so that all of us may have a fairer Australia,” Mr Abbott said.

“Rodney Croome, the activist who more than anyone else ended legal sanctions against gay people in this country.” said Mr Abbott when he described each of the nominees.

Croome is Tasmanian of the Year, which put him in the running for Australia’s top honour alongside Western Australia’s nominee Professor Lyn Beazley.

The honour was given to NSW’s candidate domestic violence advocate Rosie Batty. Batty rose to national prominence when her 11 year old son Luke was killed by his father. Batty has spoken widely about domestic violence.

Also honoured today Professor John Mills. The Victorian based researcher was honoured for his work in HIV/AIDS research and contribution to Australia’s biotechnology industry. Professor Mills was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia.

Jennifer Neary from NSW was named a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to public education through policy development and creating scholarship opportunities for teachers and students. The educator has served on the board of the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation and been a board member of the Gay Games.

Noel Tovey has also been recognised for his work in the arts and LGBT rights advocacy. The indigenous dancer and actor is a long time gay right advoacate who has most recently been drawing attention to the needs of older members of the queer community.

Professor Lisa Meyer from NSW was acknowledged for significant service to medicine in the field of epidemiology, particularly through academic research into illicit drug use. Professor Meyer has also been a contributor to HIV /AIDS research.

OIP Staff

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