King’s Birthday top honours go to Natasha Stott Despoja, Will Hodgman and Terrence Tao

The former leader of the Australian Democrats Natasha Stott Despoja has been appointed a companion of the Order of Australia on the King’s birthday honours roll, alongside the former Liberal premier of Tasmania Will Hodgman and Australian-American mathematician Prof Terence Tao.

Stott Despoja was previously made an officer of the order in 2019, sitting just below companion. She said she understood the “enormity and generosity” of receiving the highest civilian honour in Australia.

In addition to her time in politics, Stott Despoja is the founding chair of Our Watch, the national organisation to prevent violence against women and their children, and was commissioner of the South Australian royal commission into domestic, family and sexual violence.

She said while the honour was “hard to process”, she shared it with many unnamed others, including the people who entrusted her with their experiences through the royal commission.

“I hope it also is an opportunity to highlight the desperate need to eliminate the scourge that is domestic, family and sexual violence, as well as the need for gender equality, especially in those places around the world that are rolling back the rights of women and girls,” she said.

“The royal commission was one of the most intense and haunting pieces of work, but it was an extraordinary whole of community effort, and one that I hope will change, and even, save lives.”

The acclaimed radio presenter and political correspondent Fran Kelly has been appointed officer for distinguished service to broadcast journalism, the advancement of social justice and equality and for advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Kelly, who hosted ABC’s Radio National breakfast program for 17 years, told Guardian Australia it was “special” to be recognised for a “job that you love … and feel lucky to do”.

“A lot of us get into this job because you want to help make a difference to the country and be a part of those big debates … in a way that is inclusive,” she said.

“To bring social justice to the fore – because you are talking about equity in our nation and access and inclusivity.

“The LGBTQIA+ recognition for me is important too, because it’s a part of my authentic self and bringing myself to this role and my values.”

Lauded writer and Nobel Prize laureate Gerald Murnane has also been appointed an officer of the order of Australia, as have former South Australian premier Morris Iemma and NSW premier Robert Kerin. Pat Turner, the convener of the Coalition of Peaks – the body which overseas the Closing the Gap goals – and the longest-serving CEO of the now defunct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Commission, has also been appointed.

The late politician and medical researcher Prof Katrina Jane Allen has been appointed as an officer for her distinguished service as a paediatric allergist and gastroenterologist.

Christine Holgate, the former CEO of Australia Post, has been appointed a member of the order, as has author for children and young adult books Ursula Dubosarsky.

The late ABC Radio Sydney broadcaster and musician James Valentine was recommended to be appointed member prior to his passing and his insignia was presented to his family by the governor general, Sam Mostyn, last month.

Mostyn said all of the recipients had made an “exceptional contribution” to Australia and “their service and achievement in the community and public service, industry and academia, science, the arts and sport help shape our nation”.

She noted the gender balance rose by 5% compared with last year but just 33% of those awarded were women, in large part due to the nomination process.

This year’s King’s birthday honours roll recognises 949 Australians across general and military divisions. The youngest recipient, Sarah Ward, 34, is recognised for her participation in social welfare organisations, while the oldest, Florence Drury, 106, is recognised for her community service.