In her previous career as a journalist, Pru Goward was well used to shining a spotlight on politicians.
But the roles have been reversed as the former NSW MP's political career attracts attention for her appointment to an Officer (AO) in the Order of Australia as part of the 2023 Australia Day Honours List.
Ms Goward, who served in NSW parliament from 2007 to 2019, was recognised for her service to the state as well as her work in women's affairs as a former federal sex discrimination commissioner.
Throughout her various vocations, she described her work on campaigning for federal paid parental leave while as commissioner as being among the most significant .
"It was pretty crazy and brave. I didn't realise at the time, now having been in politics as an inside, what a crazy thing it was to propose paid parental leave and take on my own side of politics," she told AAP.
"I had three distinct careers and in equal measure ... to be an officer you got to have achieved at a national level and I'm just incredibly honoured that people decided that I had contributed at a national level."
Former Labor senator for Queensland Margaret Reynolds has also been named in the honours list, appointed a Companion (AC) of the Order of Australia, the highest level of recognition.
Ms Reynolds served in the upper house between 1983 and 1999 and held the local government portfolio as part of Bob Hawke's ministry.
Former federal Liberal MP James Porter, who was the member for the South Australian seat of Barker between 1975 and 1990, was also recognised.
Ms Goward's parliamentary colleague Verity Firth was among the 2023 political honorees.
The Labor MP, who served as NSW women's minister, was also recognised for her social inclusion work, having served as pro vice-chancellor of social justice and inclusion at the University of Technology Sydney.
Northern Territory MP Bess Nungarrayi Price was appointed an Member (AM) to the Order for her role in parliament as well as to the Indigenous community.
Mrs Price, who is the mother of NT senator Jacinta Price, served in the NT parliament between 2012 and 2016.
