Australia Day honours name Cathy Freeman and other public figures

Cathy Freeman and quantum scientist Michelle Simmons were named Companions of the Order of Australia, while eSafety commissioner Julie Inman Grant received a Public Service Medal; the honours list recognised 949 Australians across many fields.

Australia's Australia Day Honours list was published, recognising hundreds of people for service across sport, science, the arts and public administration. The announcement highlights several well-known figures alongside a large group of civilians who were acknowledged for community and professional contributions. The list includes multiple high-level appointments and some awards linked to recent public roles. The honours are presented under Australia’s Order of Australia system. Key details: - Cathy Freeman was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia, with the committee noting her athletic achievements and community work, including contributions to reconciliation and youth role modelling. - Prof Michelle Simmons, a quantum physicist and former Australian of the Year, was also appointed a Companion for her work on atomic electronics and quantum computing. - Julie Inman Grant, the eSafety commissioner, received a Public Service Medal; the committee cited her role in implementing Australia’s social media measures. - The late Rob Hirst of Midnight Oil was named a Member of the Order of Australia posthumously for his service to the performing arts. - The list recognised a total of 949 Australians, of whom 680 were civilian awardees; the civilian breakdown reported 496 men and 184 women. - Other awardees named included former premiers Annastacia Palaszczuk and Kristina Keneally, skateboard judge Renton Millar, and children's author-illustrator Graeme Base. Summary: The honours list highlights contributions across a wide range of fields, from elite sport and scientific research to public service and the arts. It names prominent individuals alongside hundreds of civilians acknowledged for community impact. Undetermined at this time.