Former Premiers honoured on King's Birthday

Former Tasmanian premiers Will Hodgman and David Bartlett headline the state’s representation in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours, with 26 Tasmanians recognised across the Order of Australia and Meritorious Awards.

The honours recognise service across politics, emergency management, health, education, community leadership, veterans’ affairs, local government, the arts, heritage conservation and volunteer service.

Mr Hodgman was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), one of the nation’s highest civilian honours, for eminent service to the people and Parliament of Tasmania, economic growth and policy reform, the law and the community.

Mr Bartlett, of Taroona, received an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to the people and Parliament of Tasmania, particularly as Premier, and to community health, sport, information technology and education.

Eight Tasmanians were appointed Members of the Order of Australia (AM).

Among them were Wynyard emergency services leader Bruce Kenneth Corbett, recognised for significant service through emergency response organisations, and Mount Nelson business and training advocate Geoffrey Clement Fader.

Other AM recipients included Mount Stuart medical administrator Andrew James Mulcahy, international law academic Rosemary Gail Rayfuse, veterans advocate Terrence Albert Roe, local government and legal figure Damon Christopher Thomas, music educator Frances Mary Underwood and Lauderdale community welfare advocate Brett David Walker.

Thirteen Tasmanians received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

Recipients included Burnie filmmaker and media figure Craig Anthony Leeson, Devonport child welfare advocate Steven Fisher, northwest Tasmania community volunteer Patricia Kent, Youngtown table tennis administrator Peter John Dunphy, East Launceston heritage conservation advocate Gillian Patricia Forsyth and Lindisfarne sailing contributor Graeme Jerard Foale.

Others recognised with OAMs were Janet Celia Drummond, Jane Anne Edwards, David John Hill, Robin Lee McKendrick, Peter Maxwell Muirhead, John Stewart Pugh and Roger Gaul Viney.

Three Tasmanians were also recognised in the Meritorious Awards, each receiving the Ambulance Service Medal (ASM) for distinguished service as members of an Australian ambulance service.

The recipients were Margaret Ann Chilcott of Poatina, Michelle Maree Izard and Garry Paul White of Howrah.

Nationally, hundreds of Australians were recognised across the Order of Australia, Military Division and Meritorious Awards categories in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours, celebrating contributions to public life, community service, emergency services, health, education, the arts, sport and industry. The Australian honours system recognises Australians who have made outstanding contributions to their communities and the nation.