Media Release by Senator the Hon Kay Patterson

Women’s Contribution Recognised in the 2004 Queen’s Birthday Honours List

Senator Kay Patterson, the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Status of Women, today congratulated the 165 Australian women who were recognised in the 2004 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

“It is wonderful to see that so many women have been recognised for their contributions to Australian society,” she said.

“It is especially pleasing to see that Professor Adele Green is among the recipients of the top honour of AC of the Order of Australia in the 2004 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

“Professor Green, who is the Deputy Director of the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, is deservedly recognised for her medical research into ovarian cancer as well as for her leadership in public health, particularly in Indigenous health issues.

“I also want to offer special congratulations to the 17 women who have been appointed as Officers in today’s awards.

“All of these women have made important contributions to Australian society and many have had a major influence on women’s issues over a number of years – women like Pat Miller who is the 2004 Australian of the Year for the Northern Territory, Joan Bielski, a tireless campaigner for women’s participation in politics and Margaret Reid who was the first female President of the Senate and who made an enormous contribution to the community through the many organisations she has supported in the ACT.”

In addition to the Companion and Officers categories, women’s contributions were recognised in other levels in today’s awards. There were 32 women who were made AM and 115 who received an OAM.

Senator Patterson: “People can be nominated all year round and I would encourage everyone who thinks there is a woman who should have been in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List to go to www.itsanhonour.gov.au and make sure she is nominated.

“I want to congratulate all the women who have been recognised in today’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List and thank all the women and men who had the good sense to nominate them.”