A trio of former Labor Party stalwarts heads the list of the most exclusive Queen's Birthday honours, with former Keating foreign minister Gareth Evans, former Queensland premier Peter Beattie and former Victorian premier Joan Kirner appointed Companions in the Order of Australia.
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The three are among only eight recipients of the 2012 Companions in the Order of Australia.
Professor Evans, who is also Australian National University Chancellor, receives his AC for service to international relations, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region as an adviser to governments on a range of global policy matters, to conflict prevention and resolution, and to arms control and disarmament.
Mr Beattie receives his AC for service to the parliament and the community of Queensland, through initiatives in education and training, economic development, particularly in biotechnology, information technology and aviation industries, and the promotion of international trade.
Ms Kirner receives her AC for service to the parliament of Victoria and to the community through conservation initiatives, contributions to gender equality, the development of education and training programs and the pursuit of civil rights and social inclusion.
Former Liberal Party minister and ambassador to the United Nations Robert Hill has been similarly honoured and receives his AC for his environment and defence policy reforms and for his diplomatic representations on Australia's behalf.
Philosopher and ethicist Peter Singer; the director of London's Kew Gardens Stephen Hopper; ground-breaking cervical cancer researcher Ian Frazer; and WA's Chief Justice Wayne Martin are the other ACs to be named today.
In this diamond jubilee year of the Queen, 540 Australians have been honoured with Queen's Birthday accolades.
Community workers and medical professionals account for more than half of the awards.
Artists, educators and sportspeople also rank highly.
Entertainer Rolf Harris, conservationist Harry Butler and novelist Peter Carey are among the higher profiled recipients of the Officer of the Order of Australia, along with a host of others, including former conservative federal politicians Mark Vaile, John Herron and David Hawker.
Member of the Order of Australia recipients include performer Graham Bond, former federal Labor MP Graham Edwards and retiring Liberal senator Judith Troeth.
The ACT is represented in today's honours list with philanthropist Barbara Blackman, indigenous and social rights activist Tom Calma and ANU vice-chancellor Ian Young all receiving AOs.
Astronomer Brett Biddington, public service administrator Brian Cassidy, Questacon's Graham Durant, entomologist Ted Edwards, veterinary scientist Graeme Garner, information technology specialist Brand Hoff, historian Klaus Hueneke, businessman Jeff Konstantinou, radio presenter Ronald Metcalfe and property developer Bob Winnel are all ACT recipients of the AM.
ACT conservationist Brian Cumberland and dentist David Taylor each receive a Medal of the Order of Australia.
ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher congratulated local honours' recipients.
''The Australian honours system represents the highest level of recognition accorded by our nation for outstanding achievement and service,'' Ms Gallagher said.
''I am always impressed by the breadth and depth of contributions made by members of our community and it is very pleasing to see so many Canberrans recognised with Queen's Birthday honours.
''It is particularly pleasing to see award winners coming from the government, tertiary, private and community sectors.
''These outstanding citizens are a credit to our great city, inspire us and make us proud to be Australian. I extend my thanks and congratulations to all those who have been recognised,'' Ms Gallagher said.