Foster made global headlines in 2019 when he played a key role in the return to Australia of ex-Bahrain international footballer Hakeem al-Araibi from detention in Thailand in 2019.

Since then, the 51-year-old Sydneysider has left his role as SBS's chief football analyst to focus on other challenges including ongoing activism for refugees in detention and promoting multiculturalism.

Foster says being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his service to multiculturalism, human rights and refugee support organisations can open his work to a new audience.

"If these two letters, A and M, provide openings to advocate for equality between cultures and religions, for an end to racism, to talk about the value of multiculturalism then it is immensely valuable indeed," Foster told AAP.

"Nonetheless, for all my work advocating for things that require positive change in Australia, I never lose sight of the extraordinary gifts we possess and the many wonderful aspects of this country for which I am grateful."

For all his pride in Australia, Foster says the nation's current detention policy remains a source of shame which has to be eradicated.

With or without the AM, he says his focus continues to be freeing those in detention and providing help to those in need across the country.

"My immediate commitment is to see those still incarcerated under our refugee policy freed," Foster said.

"There are many other plans, but my energy will continue for those here and offshore throughout 2021.

"Not only for them, but for us as a country.

"In the simple act of freeing innocent people, we are all freed from a dark period that we must ensure never happens again.

"I am wedded to the idea that Australia can be a positive example of humanity and leadership for the world. And our treatment of refugees, like that of Indigenous Australians, has no place in this vision."

Australian Associated Press