A Nation United in Celebration
Aukus to Moulin Rouge! Scott Morrison, Catherine Martin and Baz Luhrmann have been awarded in the King’s birthday honours.
Composite: Getty/AAP
Australia paused this June for its annual moment of pride—King’s Birthday honours—which acknowledged the remarkable efforts of citizens across every walk of life. In 2025, the list featured 830 Australians, from celebrated artists to community champions, all recognised for their service in the King’s Birthday Australia 2025 honourees list .
Scott Morrison: AC for COVID and Disaster Leadership
Former prime minister Scott Morrison has been appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia. Source: AAP / Bianca De Marchi
A notable highlight was former Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who received the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC). His recognition applauded “eminent service to the people and Parliament of Australia… to leadership of the national COVID‑19 response, to economic initiatives, and to national security enhancements, especially through leadership of Australia’s contribution to AUKUS” .
Morrison expressed gratitude:
“Through all of this Australians were just incredible and the one assumption I made is that’s how they would be…”
This AC award marks one of the highest distinctions in the King’s Birthday honours list 2025, continuing the tradition of ex-PMs being elevated—excluding Paul Keating, who declined in 1997 .
Hollywood’s Homegrown: Baz Luhrmann & Catherine Martin
Joining Morrison as Companions were the dynamic husband-and-wife filmmaking duo: Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin. Their global hits—Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge!, and The Great Gatsby—have put Australian storytelling on the world stage. Luhrmann and Martin’s accolades included praise for eminent service in the arts, costume, production, design, and nurturing new talent .
Luhrmann reflected, “my journey… would not have been possible without … the vision to support the arts” . This recognition cements their place in the King’s honours list 2025, showing arts and creativity celebrated alongside public service.
Beyond the ACs: A Broad Spectrum of Honourees
Phillip Adams can now add the suffix AC to his name. Photograph: ABC
While the ACs drew headlines, numerous Australians across sectors received honours in the Order of Australia and meritorious awards :
- Phillip Adams AC – 85-year-old broadcaster and cultural leader
- JM Coetzee AC – Nobel laureate and literary icon
- Jennifer Westacott AC – Advocate for Western Sydney’s transformation and mental health reform
- Nicole Livingstone AO – AFLW leadership and women’s sport development
- Gene Miles OAM – Sporting legend in rugby league and community philanthropy
From the meritorious service to military heroes and remote paramedics, the King’s Birthday honours list 2025 reflects Australia’s rich tapestry of service and leadership .
How the 2025 List Breaks Records
This year saw a 30% increase in honourees compared to January’s Australia Day list. The honours list included:
- 14 Companions (AC)
- 31 Officers (AO)
- 123 Members (AM)
- 413 Medals (OAM)
- 149 meritorious awards
- 36 military honours, plus 64 distinguished and conspicuous recognitions
The diversity in fields—arts, health, defence, environment—highlights the evolving nature of public recognition.
Why It Matters—And Why It Resonates
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For your Australian audience, the story conveys national pride and shared values: resilience, creativity, leadership, and unity. It positions your site as a hub for important national milestones.
Also Read:James Hardie Industries Surges 3.3% Amid Broader Momentum, Market Cheers Financial Position
What Happens Next?
Recipients are expected to attend investiture ceremonies at state Government Houses in the months ahead. These formal events provide a chance for honourees to celebrate their achievements with families and peers .
Final Thoughts
The King’s Birthday Australia 2025 ceremony was more than tradition—it was a celebration of the diverse ways Australians contribute to society. From Morrison’s crisis leadership to Luhrmann’s cinematic vision, the honours underscore a national narrative: we honour service, creativity, and impact.
As your site reports on the investitures and personal stories that follow, you’ll offer a human dimension that readers connect with—keeping engagement high and SEO traction strong.
