Media Release by Senator the Hon Kay Patterson

Women’s contribution recognised in the 2004 Australia Day honours list

Senator Kay Patterson, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Status of Women, today congratulated all the recipients of Australia Day Honours, in particular the 198 women who received awards.

“I am delighted to see that Professor Adrienne Clarke is among the recipients of the top honour of AC (Companion in the General Division) of the Order of Australia in the 2004 Australia Day Honours List,” said Senator Kay Patterson.

“While Professor Clarke is deservedly recognised nationally and internationally for her research work, it is her role as a mentor to young scientists that will ensure Australia maintains its enviable reputation among the international scientific community.

“It is also pleasing to see that there has been a significant increase in the number of women who are recipients of AOs (Officer in the General Division), with a total of 17 women who made important contributions to Australia being acknowledged in today’s awards.

“Among them are a number of women who have had a major influence on women’s issues in Australia over many years – women like Bea Faust, Zelda D’Aprano and Ann Sherry – and I congratulate them for this well deserved recognition.”

In addition to the Companion and Officer categories, women were well represented in other levels. There were 38 women who were made AM (Member in the General Division) and 142 who received an OAM (Medal in the General Division).

“Although today’s results are encouraging, there is much to be done to ensure that more women are nominated for their important contributions in the community, the professions and other endeavours,” Senator Patterson said.

In 2001 the Prime Minister launched the Honouring Women initiative – a network of high profile women, led by the Hon Dame Margaret Guilfoyle DBE and the Hon Joan Kirner AM, who volunteered to promote and encourage people to nominate more women for awards.

“Their work continues to ensure that the substantial contribution that Australian women make at all levels of our society does not go unrecognised,” Senator Patterson said.

“I want to congratulate all the women who have been recognised in today’s Australia Day Honours List and thank all the women and men who nominated them.”