Transcript, 8 June 2026 

Hello, everyone.

I am speaking to you from Government House in Canberra, on Ngunnawal land.

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.

I want to thank the Council of the Order for their work across the year, which considers and has recommended this list to me.  

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.

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.

The work of our award recipients, and the contributions of the thousands of Australians who have been recognised throughout the history of our honours system, is something we can take great pride in celebrating.  

As Governor-General, I have the unique privilege to see and understand Australia on a panoramic scale, and in the fine grain life of communities across the nation.

Our national honours and awards system should always reflect the breadth of our national life and community. It should uplift and empower us through unity that is not defined by uniformity, but a celebration of difference, diversity, connection and community.

And it all starts with a nomination by someone in the community.  

We all know someone who performs selfless acts every day with deep commitment and care for people, for our institutions, our environment, and for our future.

Artists, educators, scientists, volunteers, nurses, carers and so many others who you know and admire.

In releasing this list, I want to encourage you to celebrate their work and leadership by nominating them for an award.

Every Australian regardless of their gender, social, cultural or economic background should be able to look at the Honours List and see themselves.

I want to congratulate everyone honoured in the 2026 King’s Birthday list and thank you for all you have done and continue to do to make us a stronger country. And I also thank those who nominated our honourees.