I congratulate the 430 Australians recognised in the Australia Day Honours
List.
The year 2000 is the 25th anniversary of the creation of Australia's
own honours system. Over this quarter of a century a richly diverse group
of Australians, from all walks of life and all corners of the land, have
been honoured.
Since the inception of the Australian honours system in 1975 with the
Order of Australia as its keystone, new awards have been established,
allowing for example, recognition of the Defence Force, police, fire,
ambulance and emergency services, and civilians rendering humanitarian
service overseas.
Today, Australia has a comprehensive honours system.
Our system is inclusive and egalitarian and its independence and freedom
from patronage continue to ensure its wide acceptance. The honours system
has grown in esteem over twenty-five years as it reflects those values
Australians see as important good citizenship, selfless service
and bravery.
As we approach the centenary of federation, we can justifiably be proud
of those Australians, past and present, whose efforts in making Australia
the great country it is today, have been recognised by the nation.
Honours List is available at: