Daniel Andrews, Mark McGowan recognised in King’s Birthday honour list
Source:9news
Former long-serving Labor premiers Daniel Andrews and Mark McGowan have been recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday honours list.
The duo were both appointed to the Order of Australia as Companions – the highest award in the order – and were two of 737 people on this year’s honours list.
Also recognised were incoming governor-general Samantha Mostyn, Test cricket great Glenn McGrath, late former opposition leader Simon Crean, and presenter Hamish Blake.
Andrews, who was Victorian premier for nine years before resigning last year, was recognised for his “eminent service to the people and Parliament of Victoria, to public health, to policy and regulatory reform, and to infrastructure development”.
McGowan also called time on a highly successful career in state politics in 2023 after six years as premier. He was made a Companion of the Order of Australia “for eminent service to the people and Parliament of Western Australia, to public health and education, and to international trade relations”.
The two former premiers attracted both fervent support and intense criticism for their stringent approaches to lockdowns and border closures during the pandemic.
