Queen’s Birthday Honours 2012

Philosopher and anti-poverty campaigner Peter Singer has been awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia in the General Division in this year’s Queen’s Birthday honour awards.

He is joined by former Victorian Premier Joan Kirner Professor Ian Frazer among the eight recipients of the top award.

A professor of bioethics at Princeton University and laureate professor at the University of Melbourne, Singer received the Order for his “service to philosophy and bioethics as a leader of public debate and communicator of ideas in the areas of global poverty, animal welfare and the human condition”.

Singer, who is known for his books Animal Liberation and The Life You Can Save, has a long history defending the rights of animals and combating global poverty.

Victoria’s first female Premier Joan Kirner was awarded the title for her service to state parliament and to the community through “conservation initiatives, contributions to gender equality, the development of education and training programs and the pursuit of civil rights and social inclusion”.

Professor Ian Frazer has been honoured for his service to “medical research, particularly through leadership roles in the discovery of the human papilloma virus vaccine and its role in preventing cervical cancer, to higher education and as a supporter of charitable organisations”.

Philanthropist and former Australian of the Year Simon McKeon became an Officer AO in the General Division in the Order of the Australia. He was granted the award for “distinguished service to business and commerce through leadership and advisory roles, and to the community as a supporter of national and international charitable, educational and sporting organisations”.

A complete list of winners for all of the Queen’s Birthday Awards is available here.