Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) — the nation’s highest civilian honour — in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List for his “eminent service to the people and Parliament of Australia.”
The award recognises Morrison’s leadership as Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022, particularly his role in steering the country through the COVID-19 pandemic, bolstering national security through the AUKUS alliance, and strengthening Australia’s international relationships — especially with India and the Indian diaspora in Australia.
During his tenure, Morrison prioritised deepening Australia-India ties through trade, education, defence cooperation, and people-to-people connections. He famously described the India-Australia relationship as being “as close as a curry and naan,” and was widely credited with expanding the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
Morrison’s overnment also worked closely with the Indian community in Australia on multicultural initiatives and pandemic support. Morrison said during a 2021 Diwali address:
“The Australia-India relationship has never been stronger — and our Indian-Australian community is a vital part of our national fabric.”
His government oversaw key economic and regional security initiatives, and Morrison played a pivotal role in Australia’s contribution to AUKUS — the trilateral security pact between Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom aimed at countering regional threats.
Morrison’s political career includes service as Treasurer (2015–2018), Minister for Social Services, and Minister for Immigration and Border Protection. He was the Member for Cook from 2007 until his retirement in 2024 and served as Leader of the Liberal Party from 2018 to 2022.
Since leaving politics, Morrison has remained active on the global stage through strategic advisory roles in the United States, Canada, and Australia, including with the International Democracy Union and the Hudson Institute.
Morrison expressed gratitude after being awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), the nation’s highest civilian honour. In a statement, he described it as a “privilege” to serve Australia. Reflecting on his term, Morrison acknowledged the resilience and unity of Australians:
“Australians responded to these events in the best traditions of Australian patriotism and mateship… This is why Australia proudly prevailed and will continue to do so in the future.”
He also highlighted the strengthening of key international partnerships through AUKUS, the QUAD, and Five Eyes, as well as economic reforms aimed at keeping Australia secure and self-reliant.
Morrison thanked his colleagues, staff, constituents in Cook, and most importantly, his family:
“Above all, I am exceedingly grateful to my wife Jenny, daughters Abbey and Lily… for their self-less love, support and sacrifice.”
He concluded with a personal note of faith:
“I acknowledge my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the author of my faith, in whose joyful service and care I will remain forever. God bless Australia.”
The Governor-General announced the King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List, which includes 830 Australians recognised for their exceptional contributions across various fields. The list reflects a nearly 30% increase in awardees compared to the Australia Day 2025 Honours, celebrating selfless service, creativity, and community spirit nationwide.
Governor-General Sam Mostyn AC, in announcing this year’s list, praised the honourees for their “passion, generosity, energy and resolve”, and noted the growing recognition of public service excellence across the country. “These honours recognise the selfless service, integrity, achievement, creativity, and care that flourish across our country,” she said.
“Every day, and all across the country, Australians are doing extraordinary things with passion, generosity, energy, and resolve. … I look forward to meeting many of you at the investiture of your awards.”
In coming months, honourees will be presented with their awards at investiture ceremonies held at Government House in their respective states and territories.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
