Broadcasters, former premiers lead King’s Birthday honours
Seasoned reporter Fran Kelly, the late James Valentine and former NSW premier Morris Iemma are among those recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours, alongside hundreds of Australians making a difference in their communities.
A total of 949 people feature on this year’s honours list, spanning public life, emergency services, science, sport, education and the arts.
You can use our interactive data table below to search through all the King’s Birthday honours this year.
Former ABC journalist and radio host Fran Kelly was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to broadcast journalism, social justice, equality and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Kelly spent decades at the national broadcaster, including 16 years hosting Radio National Breakfast.
The late James Valentine was posthumously appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the media as a radio presenter and television host, to music, and to children’s literature.
A familiar voice to generations of Australians, Valentine built a devoted audience during his tenure at the ABC. Beyond the media, he was also an accomplished musician and author.
Former NSW premier Morris Iemma received an AO for distinguished service to the people and Parliament of New South Wales, as well as his work with community organisations and sport.
Iemma is best remembered for leading the Liberal Party to a comfortable election victory in 2007, but his premiership (2005–2008) was primarily defined by his controversial push to privatise the state’s electricity assets and his eventual resignation after losing the support of his party caucus.
Since leaving politics, Iemma has held leadership positions with organisations including the Cancer Institute NSW, Miracle Babies Foundation and several cricket bodies.
Former Tasmanian premier David Bartlett was also appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for his political career, as well as for contributions to health, sport, information technology and education.
Fran Kelly spent decades at the national broadcaster, including 16 years as host of Radio National Breakfast. Supplied
Bartlett has remained active in public life since leaving parliament, serving on the boards of organisations focused on disability support, dementia research, education, and sport.
Governor-General Sam Mostyn said the annual list shines a light on individuals whose extraordinary contributions have strengthened the fabric of the nation.
“Our honours system recognises outstanding people who contribute so much to Australia,” she said.
“In our communities, in workplaces and across the country, recipients have made an exceptional contribution to Australia.”
Former NSW premier Morris Iemma received an AO which recognised his work with community organisations and sport. Fairfax Media
The honours list also includes 34 awards in the Military Division of the Order of Australia, 149 meritorious awards and 63 conspicuous service decorations.
Among this year’s honourees, the youngest is 34-year-old Sarah Ward from the Yarra Valley, while the oldest living is 106-year-old Queenslander Florence Drury.
Recipients will attend investiture ceremonies at Government House in their state or territory in the coming months to formally receive their awards.
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