Morrison Awarded Australia's Highest Honour

Australia's former Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who served from 2018 to 2022, has been awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), the nation's highest King's Birthday Honour. The announcement was made on June 8th, 2025. Morrison received the award for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and his role in establishing the AUKUS security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In a statement, Morrison expressed his gratitude for the honour, saying, "I am honoured and grateful to have been awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia." His time as Prime Minister was marked by both successes and controversies, including the secret ministries scandal and criticism over his handling of the 2019 bushfires. Despite these challenges, the award recognizes his significant contributions to Australia during a period of national and international crisis. The AUKUS pact, in particular, is seen as a landmark achievement in strengthening Australia's strategic alliances. The award serves as a recognition of Morrison's leadership during a complex and challenging period in Australian history.