Prof. Terence Jeyaretnam has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List for significant service to social justice, and to environmental conservation and sustainability.
The Melbourne-based sustainability specialist is among 948 Australians recognised in this year’s honours list, announced by Sam Mostyn.
“As Governor-General and Chancellor of the Order of Australia, I am delighted to announce and congratulate the remarkable Australians receiving honours in The 2026 King’s Birthday list,” Mostyn said.
“Our honours system recognises outstanding people who contribute so much to Australia. In our communities, in workplaces and across the country, recipients have made an exceptional contribution to Australia.”
Jeyaretnam has spent more than 25 years working in sustainability, climate change and environmental governance, advising governments, corporations and international organisations on sustainable development and responsible business practices.
Before joining EY, Jeyaretnam founded Net Balance, one of Australia’s largest specialist sustainability consultancies, which was acquired by the professional services firm in 2014.
His contributions extend beyond the corporate sector. He currently serves as Chair of Amnesty International Australia and Global Citizen Australia, while also holding board positions with the Australian Conservation Foundation and several sustainability-focused organisations.
Jeyaretnam has played a prominent role in shaping sustainability standards and reporting frameworks in Australia and internationally. He has served on advisory groups linked to the International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation and contributed to sustainability policy initiatives in Australia and India.
A Fellow of Engineers Australia, Jeyaretnam trained as an environmental engineer and has been recognised as one of Australia’s most influential young engineers. He has also been a long-time advocate for environmental accountability, ethical business practices and social justice causes.
The Governor-General said the contributions of this year’s recipients reflected the values and achievements that help shape Australia.
“Just like those honoured across the past 50 years, their service and achievement in the community and public service, industry and academia, science, the arts and sport help shape our nation.”
Jeyaretnam will receive his insignia at an investiture ceremony at Government House in Victoria in the coming months.
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