Former Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has been appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia, joining an exclusive group of just 10 Australians to receive the nation’s highest civilian honour on Australia Day 2026.
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Raised in Durack, Ms Palaszczuk has been recognised for her eminent service to the people and Parliament of Queensland, particularly during her tenure as Premier from 2015 to 2023, as well as her contributions to educational equity, multiculturalism, and public health, according to the Governor-General’s official honours list.
From Durack to Queensland’s Top Office
Ms Palaszczuk’s journey from Durack to the premier’s office represents a remarkable chapter in Queensland’s political history. Before entering politics, she worked as a policy adviser to several Labor ministers, including Minister for Communities, Disabilities and Seniors Warren Pitt, and former Minister for the Environment Dean Wells, according to the Governor-General’s citation.
In 2006, she succeeded her father, Henry Palaszczuk, as the Member for Inala, beginning a 17-year parliamentary career. She held ministerial positions including Minister for Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs (2009-2011) and Minister for Transport and Multicultural Affairs (2011-2012).
Her elevation to Premier in 2015 marked a historic moment—she became the first woman in Australian history to win a state premiership from opposition. Under her leadership, Queensland formed the first majority-female cabinet in Australian state and federal history.
Ms Palaszczuk’s eight years as Premier were defined by significant challenges, particularly her government’s management of Queensland’s COVID-19 response, which her citation acknowledges as part of her service to public health.
Recognition and New Chapters
The Australia Day honour adds to Ms Palaszczuk’s previous accolades, which include the International Leadership Award from the Biotechnology Innovation Organisation in 2018 and the Award for Excellence in Women’s Leadership from Women and Leadership Australia in 2016, as listed in the official citation.
Since stepping down from politics in December 2023, Ms Palaszczuk has taken on new roles, serving as a board member of Australia Post since 2024 and as an adjunct professor at the University of Queensland.
Australia Day 2026 Honours
The 2026 Australia Day Honours List recognises 949 Australians across various categories, including awards in the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards, and recognition for distinguished and conspicuous service. This represents an increase of over 200 awards compared to Australia Day 2025.
Only 10 individuals received the Companion of the Order of Australia designation in the General Division this year, placing Ms Palaszczuk among the nation’s most distinguished citizens. Other recipients of the AC honour include Olympic legend Cathy Freeman, OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann, quantum physicist Professor Michelle Simmons, and prominent medical scientist Professor Anne Kelso.
Ms Palaszczuk is one of three ex-premiers to receive one of the nation’s top honours in the 2026 Australia Day awards. Former NSW Premier Kristina Keneally received the second-highest honour, an Officer of the Order of Australia, while former South Australian Premier Steven Marshall also received an AC honour.
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For residents of Durack and surrounding western Brisbane suburbs, Ms Palaszczuk’s appointment as a Companion of the Order of Australia represents not only recognition of distinguished public service but also a testament to the community that helped shape one of Queensland’s most significant political figures.
Recipients of Australia Day honours will receive their insignia at investiture ceremonies to be held at Government Houses in their respective states and territories in the coming months.
Published 26-January-2026
