‘Resilience’ rewarded as ex-premier receives top honour

Former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has been praised for her resilience, compassion and deep commitment to the welfare of Queenslanders at an appointment ceremony in Canberra.

Governor-General Sam Mostyn presented Ms Palaszczuk with the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) medal, the country’s highest civilian honour, at a ceremony at Government House on Monday.

Ms Palaszczuk was one of three former prime ministers to be awarded the top prize in the 2026 Australia Day awards.

The former Labor premier, who represented Inala from 2006 to 2023 and led Queensland for nine of those years, was given the honor for his outstanding service to public health, educational equity and multiculturalism.

“Annastacia Palaszczuk has made an outstanding contribution to Queensland and public life,” said Secretary to the Governor-General Gerard Martin.

“His leadership as a leader was defined by resilience, compassion and a deep commitment to the well-being of Queenslanders.”

Ms Palaszczuk became Australia’s first woman to win consecutive elections as prime minister and has guided the state through the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the time, it was subject to criticism for the tight border closures; This meant that a woman could not enter the state to attend her father’s funeral.

But officials argued that the policy kept case numbers low.

Speaking when the awards were announced, Ms Palaszczuk said she was extremely humbled by this award.

“I’m incredibly honored to accept this award,” he told AAP in January.

Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, a pioneering marine science researcher credited with revealing the extent of coral bleaching, also received an Order of Australia medal.

Ms Mostyn thanked all recipients for their contribution to Australia.

“On behalf of all Australians, I am very proud and delighted to congratulate you all and to play my small part in investing in you through your decorations,” he said.