King Charles III will turn 76 this year, but most of Australia officially marked his birthday with a long weekend.
British monarchs’ birthdays are traditionally celebrated in the middle of the year due to the warmer spring days in the UK—a tradition that has funnelled through to Australia.
There has been little official fanfare around the event, but several awards were granted to Australians to coincide with the King’s Birthday.
In celebration of the King’s Birthday, which is celebrated on June 10 in all Australian states except Queensland and WA, the Department of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged participating states to fly or display the Australian national flag.
Many prominent Australian Labor members including former Victorian Premier Dan Andrews have been honoured in this round of awards.
Mr. Andrews, who served as premier from 2014-2023, and leader of the opposition from 2010-2014 was awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia in the General Division.
Former Labor Leader Simon Crean, who passed away suddenly in June last year aged 74, was also honoured “for eminent service to the people and Parliament of Australia, to tertiary education, to business, and to industrial relations.”
Former Western Australia Labor Premier Mark McGowan also received an honour for his contribution to public health and education and to international trade relations.
Former member of Labor’s Rudd and Gillard governments, Greg Combet, was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for his services in banking and superannuation, but also his part in the National COVID-19 Co-ordinating Commission.
Mr. Combet previously served as chair of the Australian Government Net Zero Economy Agency, overseeing the economic transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy and net zero emissions.
Two former New South Wales Liberal MPs, Jillian Skinner and Shelley Hancock, also received awards—Ms. Skinner for service to NSW and community health, and Ms. Hancock for service to NSW.
Other recipients included Professor Karen Canfell, who was recognised for her service in cancer research and advocacy.
Ms. Canfell has served as a director of The Daffodil Centre since 2021, and has been a the chair of the Cancer Council Cancer Screening and Immunisation Committee since 2013.
Sir Jonathan Mills AO was honoured for his role in the arts, specifically his contribution to international cultural leadership and diplomacy.
Among his many achievements, was directing the Edinburgh International Festival from 2006 to 2014, and acting as program director for the Edinburgh International Culture Summit from 2012 to 2022.
Another honour went to Samantha Mostyn AO “for eminent service in the social justice, gender equality, sporting, cultural and business sectors, to reconciliation, and to environmental sustainability.”
A large number of military honours were also handed out, with a large number going to those involved in handling the COVID pandemic.
Signs of a Changing Australian Society
CQUniversity lecturer and historian Benjamin Jones specialises in Australian political history and national identity, and says there are clear signs of increasing diversity in Order of Australia recipients.Mr. Jones said the awards, which are operated through the office of the governor-general, reflect the changing values of Australian society.
“Over the past two decades there has been a concerted effort to recognise more women and people from minority groups who contribute to Australian society,” he told The Epoch Times.
“While it is protocol for political leaders to receive the award, such as Dan Andrews, there have also been efforts to recognise the arts and those who make cultural contributions, such as Powderfinger bassist John Collins.”
However, Mr. Jones said having the announcements on King Charles III’s Birthday was an anachronism.
“While all Australians enjoy a day off work, the symbolism of celebrating the birth of a British monarch is out of place in a modern, multicultural democracy,” Mr. Jones said.
“While there would certainly be passionate debate if there was an attempt to change the holiday to mark an Australian event or person, the majority would be relatively indifferent and more interested in how they might spend the day.”
Debate over whether Australia should sever ties with the monarchy is ongoing, with some organisations such as the Australian Monarchists League arguing it is the “best” and “most modern” form of government for the nation.
“We are an independent sovereign nation with Australians as governors and effective head of state,” the group stated in a statement online.
“We have a rich history and a system of government which millions would willingly adopt and we have a head of state who constantly works for our benefit, who has devoted his life to our service and who represents all of us.”
