Long-serving diplomat and Foreign Affairs Department secretary Frances Adamson has received the Queen's top nod for her decades of service.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ms Adamson, who's set to retire from the public service later this month, is one of five to be appointed the prestigious title Companion of the Order on Monday.
Her new title comes as the 2021 Queen's Birthday Honours list recorded the highest percentage of women among its recipients since its inception.
Of the 947 general division recipients, 416, or 46 per cent, were women - the highest split toward women since the system was first introduced in 1975.
Governor-General David Hurley said he would work to further increase the diversity of recipients in subsequent years.
"Each of these individuals are unique and their story deserves to be shared widely and celebrated," the Governor-General Hurley said.
"I am pleased that this list includes the highest ever percentage of women recognised through the General Division of the Order of Australia.
"It is important that the Order of Australia represents the diversity and strength of Australia - for this to happen we need to ensure outstanding women, members of our multicultural community and First Nations people are nominated by their peers in the community.
"I am prioritising increasing awareness of and engagement with the Order of Australia amongst groups that have been historically underrepresented. We are seeing positive progress and I am determined that it continues."
A number of the recipients were recognised for their work in helping Australians deal with the 2019-2020 bushfires as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Governor-General highlighted there would likely be many more recipients in the following year's list recognised for this work too.
More than 40 per cent of awards were given for outstanding community service or achievement.
READ MORE:
Ms Adamson is set to retire from her role as department secretary on June 25 before taking up the role of South Australian governor in October.
State Premier Steven Marshall confirmed the move in May after the Queen had announced her appointment.
She will become the state's 36th governor, succeeding Hieu Van Le, who has served in the role since 2014.
"I am greatly looking forward to returning home to serve the people of South Australia and contribute to the state's international engagement through the promotion of trade, investment and people-to-people links," Ms Adamson said in May.
"I feel privileged to be succeeding His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC, who has served with such distinction."
MORE HONOURS:
- Departing DFAT boss among droves of women honoured
- Peta Credlin, the accidental political warrior, lands Queen's Birthday honour
- More than a game: Stuart's legacy honoured on the Queen's birthday
- Stephanie Copus-Campbell recognised for work in PNG
- Canberra doctor recognised for sacrificing fees to build hospital
- Down-to-earth scientist with a large impact earns AC
- AM for Harriet Elvin, champion of our 'creative city'
- OAM honour for league's legendary 'Brick with Eyes' prop
- 'I was part of a team': public service medals bring achievements into the limelight
- Gallantry award for corporal who led heroic rescue in 'extreme danger'
- Activist's non-linear journey reaps rewards
- Astronomer sees virus as small blip in the universe
- AM appointee calls for funding boost for drug and alcohol services
- Bombings' lessons for AFP analyst
- Record rate of women in Queen's honours
- Australians share in Queen's honours
- Leading melanoma researcher appointed AO
- Disaster recovery pioneer awarded OAM
- Tough but rewarding time as top woman cop
- Australians marvel at honours recipients
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark canberratimes.com.au
- Download our app
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram