The 1990s in West Australian politics was "an exciting early indication of women's capacity" in public life, Australia's first female state premier says.
Carmen Lawrence was WA premier from 1990 to 1993 and led a government with several women in cabinet positions. She also held a ministerial position in the Keating government.
"When I became premier of Western Australia … that was an important achievement for women collectively," Dr Lawrence said.
Dr Lawrence, a professor emeritus and senior honorary research fellow at the University of WA's School of Psychological Sciences, has been recognised in this year's Queen's Birthday honours list as an Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to the people and parliaments of Australia and WA, to conservation, and to arts administration.
Dr Lawrence said the make-up of the new federal parliament showed "the idea that you can be represented by someone who's not like you is gone".
"Ours is a representative democracy which means we need all the groups in our society to be represented," she said.
"It's a matter of justice, first of all, that's what democracy's all about, but it also means we get a richer view of the experience that Australians are having, and therefore policy will be better."
However, Dr Lawrence said in many ways it was getting tougher for women in politics.
"In a funny kind of way, the more women come closer to real power the more savage the response seems to be," she said.
"If there had been social media during my time in politics, it would have been, I think, intolerable."
Melbourne lawyer and human rights advocate Nyadol Nyuon, recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to human rights and refugee women, said the election of Australia's most diverse parliament yet was a reflection of positive change.
But Ms Nyuon said there was still work to do, and top of her list was more diversity in the Australian media.
"There's no more important space where diversity is needed than the media itself because it's a literal reflection of who we are, of what we think, of where we want to go," she said.
"And if it's not diverse, it narrows the possibilities of what we can be as a country."
The health of the nation
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, chief medical officers and epidemiologists suddenly became household names.
Brendan Murphy was the federal chief medical officer when the pandemic began and is now the federal Health Department secretary.
He has been honoured with a Companion in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AC) for eminent service to medical administration and community health and to nephrology and innovation.
Dr Murphy said he had been fortunate to work with brilliant people in his more than 40-year career in the health and medical fields.
"In each of those roles I've been working with brilliant, dedicated people who have been focused on making a difference for the health of the nation," he said.
University of New South Wales epidemiologist and adviser to the World Health Organization, Mary-Louise McLaws, has been recognised as an AO for distinguished service to medical research, tertiary education and health administration.
Professor McLaws also became a familiar face during the pandemic. In January she was diagnosed with a brain tumour and has been receiving treatment.
"I'm absolutely honoured that I'm getting this award," Professor McLaws said.
Recognition for the arts
South Australian Cabaret singer Libby O'Donovan said she "lives" for the arts.
"Every gig that I do, every performance, every time I write something, it just fills my heart and soul and I love sharing that and I love to create magical moments with a community of other people," Ms O'Donovan said.
"Without music, without creativity, without art, without dance, without theatre, we really do have a very meaningless kind of existence."
Ms O'Donovan and her former partner, country singer Beccy Cole, have both been recognised for their contributions to their industries with an OAM.
Warne 'would be honoured'
Cricketer Shane Warne, who died in March, aged 52, was recognised with a posthumous AO for distinguished service to cricket as a player, role model and commentator, to the community through charitable initiatives, and for philanthropy.
Warne's father, Keith, said his son would have been extremely honoured to receive such an accolade.
"This award … recognises that Shane was much more than an incredible cricketer, he really was a selfless and remarkable man who always looked to support those less fortunate," Mr Warne said.
"We are so proud of him. We hope his legacy will inspire many generations to come."
Ash Barty has also been recognised as an AO for distinguished service to tennis at the elite level and to youth development programs.
Barty, 26, announced her retirement from the sport in March, finishing her career with three major singles titles — the French Open (2019), Wimbledon (2021) and this year's Australian Open.
Across the country, 992 Australians are being recognised in this year's Queen's Birthday honours list.
