Several prominent South Australians were recognised in the highest tier of the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours, with former senator and gender equality advocate Natasha Stott Despoja among those appointed as Companions of the Order of Australia (AC).
Natasha received the honour for “eminent service to the prevention of domestic, family and sexual violence, to gender equity, and to the promotion of human rights and global systemic change.”
The former Australian Democrats leader has continued her advocacy work well beyond politics, serving as Commissioner of the South Australian Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, a member of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, and founding chair of Our Watch. She also remains closely connected to South Australia through her roles with The University of Adelaide and regular contributions as a columnist for The Advertiser.
Joining her in receiving the nation’s highest civilian honour was world-renowned South Australian mathematician Terence Tao, recognised for “eminent service to the mathematical sciences, to the global mathematics community, and to tertiary education and academia.”
Born in Adelaide and widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest living mathematicians, Terence currently serves as a professor at University of California, Los Angeles and is best known for winning the prestigious Fields Medal in 2006. His remarkable career includes more than 350 academic publications, numerous international awards, and influential work spanning pure mathematics, artificial intelligence and scientific research.
The King’s Birthday Honours also recognised leading figures from philanthropy, medicine and public service.
Victorian philanthropist Elisabeth Calvert-Jones was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia for her longstanding contributions to philanthropy, the arts, medical research, children and youth. Her work has supported organisations including the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, National Gallery of Victoria and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
Former Tasmanian premier Will Hodgman was honoured for his service to the people and Parliament of Tasmania, economic growth, law and public policy. Since leaving politics, Will has served as Australia’s High Commissioner to Singapore and continues to hold leadership positions across business and investment sectors.
Internationally respected virologist William David Rawlinson was recognised for eminent service to medical science, clinical research, education and public health. William played a significant role in Australia’s response to infectious diseases and COVID-19, while contributing extensively to global research and health policy.
The honours form part of the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List announced by Sam Mostyn, who described recipients as Australians whose achievements and service help shape the nation through contributions across community, public service, science, academia, the arts and sport.
In her address, the Governor-General encouraged Australians to continue nominating people in their communities whose work often goes unrecognised, noting that the honours system should reflect the diversity, connection and achievements that define modern Australia.
Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in the General Division
Mrs Elisabeth Janet Calvert-Jones AO, VIC
For eminent service to philanthropy, to the arts, to medical research organisations, to the community, and to children and youth.
The Honourable William Edward Hodgman, TAS
For eminent service to the people and Parliament of Tasmania, to economic growth and policy reform, to the law, and to the community.
Professor William David Rawlinson AM, Lane Cove NSW 2066
For eminent service to the medical sciences as a virologist, to clinical research and education, and to
national and international public health.
Ms Natasha Jessica Stott Despoja AO, SA
For eminent service to the prevention of domestic, family and sexual violence, to gender equity, and to the promotion of human rights and global systemic change.
Professor Terence Chi-Shen Tao
For eminent service to the mathematical sciences, to the global mathematics community, and to tertiary
education and academia.
Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the General Division, SA Winners
Professor Jozef Gecz, Burnside SA 5066
For distinguished service to human translational genetic science, to genomic research, to child health, and to neurodevelopmental disability.
The Honourable Robert Gerard Kerin, Norwood SA 5067
For distinguished service to the people and Parliament of South Australia, particularly as Premier, to regional and economic development, and to primary industry
Mr James White McDowell, Medindie SA 5081
For distinguished service to public administration, to the defence capability industry, to science and
technology, and to education governance.
Emeritus Professor Andrew John Spencer, Goodwood SA 5034
For distinguished service to dentistry, to public health research and policy development, to oral epidemiology, and to tertiary education.
Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division, SA Winners
The late Professor Peter Buckskin PSM, SA
For significant service to the Indigenous community through education, research, and advocacy roles.
Dr Jennifer Lorraine Caruso, Salisbury Downs SA 5108
For significant service to the Indigenous communities of South Australia.
Mr Brian William Chatterton OAM, Echunga SA 5153
For significant service to classical music as an educator, performer and artistic director.
Mr Salvatore Mario Ciccarello, SA
For significant service to sports administration, and to the community of South Australia
The late the Honourable Legh Hewitson Davis, SA
For significant service to the arts, to philanthropy, and to the community of South Australia.
Mr Gavin Horace Dunn, Tarlee SA 5411
For significant service to the grain growing sector, and to bio dynamic and organic agriculture.
Professor Emeritus David Malcolm Findlay, Leabrook SA 5068
For significant service to orthopaedic research, and to the Baptist Church in Australia.
Dr Patricia Lorraine Hamilton, SA
For significant service to women in rural and remote Australia, and to the agricultural industry.
Mr James Thomas Hazel, Unley SA 5061
For significant service to the finance sector through a range of senior board roles.
Mr Anthony Shane Kittel, Torrens Park SA 5062
For significant service to the electronics industry, and to the defence sector.
Mrs Joan Margaret Lyons, SA
For significant service to the arts, and to the community through philanthropic support.
Mrs Diana Helen McLaurin, SA
For significant service to the arts, to golf, and to environmental conservation.
Dr Elizabeth Mary Murphy, SA
For significant service to colorectal and general surgery, and to clinical education and training
Professor Konrad Pesudovs, Glenelg SA 5045
For significant service to optometry and ophthalmology research, and to clinical education and training.
Mrs Marie Elizabeth Shaw KC, SA
For significant service to the law, to the legal profession, and to the community.
Dr Julja Isabel Szuster, SA
For significant service to music as a researcher, educator and administrator.
Mr Raymond Lewis Tanner, SA
For significant service to social welfare, and to the transport and logistics industry.
Mr Luke Ashley Thomson, SA
For significant service to primary and secondary education, and to independent schools.
Dr Andrew Leonard Van Essen, Prospect SA 5082
For significant service to podiatry as a clinician and educator, and to specialist podiatric surgery.
