‘Resilience’ rewarded as ex-premier receives top honour
Grace Crivellaro |
Former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has been praised for her resilience, compassion and deep commitment to the well-being of Queenslanders at an investiture ceremony in Canberra.
Governor-General Sam Mostyn presented Ms Palaszczuk with a medal as a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), the nation’s highest civilian honour, at the ceremony at Government House on Monday.
Ms Palaszczuk was one of three ex-premiers bestowed the top honour in the 2026 Australia Day awards.
The former Labor premier, who represented the seat of Inala from 2006 to 2023 and led Queensland for nine of those years, was awarded the honour for her eminent service to public health, educational equity and multiculturalism.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk has made extraordinary contributions to Queensland and public life,” the Governor-General’s secretary Gerard Martin said.
“Her leadership as premier was defined by resilience, compassion and deep commitment to the well-being of Queenslanders.”
Ms Palaszczuk was the first woman in Australia to win consecutive elections as premier and guided the state through the COVID-19 pandemic.
She faced criticism at the time for her strict border closures, which meant one woman was unable to enter the state to attend her father’s funeral.
However, officials argued the policy kept case numbers low.
Speaking when the honours were announced, Ms Palaszczuk said the recognition was extremely humbling.
“I’m incredibly, incredibly honoured to be accepting this award,” she told AAP in January.
Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, a pioneering marine science researcher known for exposing the extent of coral bleaching, also received a medal as a Companion of the Order of Australia.
Ms Mostyn thanked all recipients for their contributions to Australia.
“On behalf of all Australians, I am so proud and so delighted to congratulate you all and to play my small role in investing you with your insignia,” she said.
AAP