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.
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.
Lauded writer Gerald Murnane has also been appointed an officer of the order of Australia, as have former NSW premier Morris Iemma and SA 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 prime minister, Anthony Albanese, paid tribute to ProfRichard Scolyer this morning, saying Australia has lost “our brightest lights and one of our biggest hearts”.
Albanese said in a statement:
Every day, this remarkable man – the cancer specialist who became his own subject – took us into his confidence, and he lifted us all in the process.
Richard’s journey was difficult and confronting. “My uncertain path”, as he termed it with characteristic understatement.
Yet it was one he travelled with courage, determination, and a grace that never ceased to be remarkable. The way he shared it with us was an act of profound generosity. He showed us what it means to hope, and to keep searching for solutions. He showed us how to stand firm against fear and stay true to yourself.
Now Richard’s journey is done, yet his legacy will always be with us.
Richard Scolyer. Photograph: James Gourley/The Guardian
Prof Richard Scolyer, the world-renowned cancer researcher and former Australian of the year, has died at the age of 59.
Scolyer’s family shared a statement the eminent pathologist and melanoma expert penned before his final stages of illness.
“My final message to all Australians is to say thank you for your outpouring of love and support for me and my family,” Scolyer said in the statement.
“Those of you I met during my travels as joint 2024 Australian of the Year, my amazing online community which spans many countries, and of course my hometown Tasmanians – you’ve laughed with me, cried with me, and provided encouragement and support to keep going just when I needed it most,” he said.
Good morning and welcome to Monday’s coverage of the day’s news.
Scientist and former Australian of the year Richard Scolyer has died after a lengthy public battle with brain cancer. He was 59.
Today is the King’s Birthday public holiday in the ACT, New South Wales, Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria, with top honours to mark the day awarded to Natasha Stott Despoja, Will Hodgman and Terence Tao.
<small>Source: The Guardian</small>
