Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet - Australian Government

06/18/2021 | Press release | Archived content

Looking Back on The Queen’s Birthday Honours

On 14 June 2021, the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC, announced The Queen's Birthday honours recipients.

For the first time a COVID-19 Honour Roll has been set up in recognition of the many ways Australians have contributed to the pandemic response. 63 Australians are featured on the COVID-19 Honour Roll.

Here are just a few notable recipients who have been recognised in The Queen's Birthday 2021 COVID-19 Honour Roll:

From PM&C we congratulate Paul Grigson PSM on his award of the Public Service Medal for outstanding public service through driving resolutions to complex issues during the Government's response and recovery to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Grigson established the National Coordination Mechanism to coordinate the non-health response to COVID-19. He also led the development of the National Framework for reopening agreed by National Cabinet.

Ms Frances Adamson AC was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia for eminent service to public administration. Ms Adamson has contributed to the advancement of Australia's diplomatic, trade and cultural interests, particularly with the People's Republic of China and the Indo-Pacific region.

She was also recently announced as the 36th Governor of South Australia and has been involved in innovative foreign policy development and high level program delivery.

Ms Simmone Locke ASM was awarded the Ambulance Service Medal for her dedicated and committed service to NSW Ambulance, and to the community, throughout her more than 27 year career.

Ms Locke served in frontline operational roles for NSW Ambulance until 2015 before moving to working in management positions. She continues to contribute to operational responses, in particular during emergencies such as the 2019-20 bushfires, the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent floods in New South Wales.

Mr David Hawkes ESM was awarded the Emergency Services Medal for his work with the Northern Territory Emergency Service (NTES), which he has been a part of since 1987. Mr Hawke continues to serve at operational callouts as a vital member of the Darwin Unit's response to emergencies.

Mr Hawkes' commitment to the NTES, particularly throughout the NT's response to COVID-19, and his service to the safety of the community for over 25 years has been exceptional.

Representation in the honours system should reflect the diverse and vibrant nation that Australia is. With a range of different awards, the Australian honours system allows us to recognise citizens for their excellence, achievement or meritorious service and contributions to our society. A unique feature of the Order of Australia is that anyone can put forward a nomination. If you know a worthy individual, including someone who has made a significant contribution to Australia's COVID-19 response, you can nominate them now.

To find out more about Australia's honours system, visit It's An Honour.