It's not even her birthday

By Guy Barnett
June 11, 2007 02:00am

IT'S time Australia grew up and reviewed some of its historical anomalies such as today's Queen's Birthday holiday. This long weekend in fact has nothing to do with the Queen's actual birthday. Our celebration is terribly misguided.

Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21 1926, which means that for almost 70 years we have celebrated her birthday on the wrong day of the wrong month.

Even the UK does not celebrate the Queen's birthday with a public holiday. In 1936 most states decided to proclaim a holiday in June close to the birthday of King George V, and we have been stuck with it ever since. Interestingly, Western Australia celebrates the Queen's birthday in September rather than June.

Queen Elizabeth II is undoubtedly one of the finest heads of state in history. She has served as a fantastic beacon for good, a fine example and force for stability in the Commonwealth and indeed the world, but in modern day Australia we must look like international fools in not only getting her birthday wrong but in actually celebrating the error.

The granting of Australian awards on the Queen's Birthday holiday demonstrates skewed priorities. These awards would have far greater significance if a more relevant day could be agreed.

We could look at alternatives such as September 1, officially proclaimed as National Wattle Day in 1992, as potentially a day of recognising and celebrating outstanding Australians.

Wattle Day, born in Tasmania, has a meaningful history in Australia. It did not take long for early settlers to identify wattle as something uniquely Australian, and an unofficial symbol.

Wattle takes a prominent place on the coat of arms dating from 1912. It was presented to servicemen and women returning from both world wars, and it is a predominant design feature on Order of Australia insignia.

It has also become customary for new Australians to be presented with sprigs of wattle on gaining citizenship.

Wattle grows in every state, and it is hardy. It comes into bloom each spring and can symbolise the qualities which are undoubtedly Australian, such as fairness, generosity, mateship and democracy.

Alternatively, a day could be set aside to honour those who lived in Australia prior to white settlement. Public discussion about these ideas may give rise to other days worthy of replacing the Queen's Birthday June long weekend holiday.

Guy Barnett is the Liberal Senator for Tasmania

News Limited

[attachment=18]

Giving our finest due credit

By staff writers
June 11, 2007 06:45am

524 people from all walks of life recognised

Five men and women appointed Companions (AC)

Billy Thorpe receives posthumous honour

A ROCK legend, a retired runner, a golfing great and a footballer turned charity worker are among the Australians celebrated in this year's Queen's Birthday honours.

The late musician Billy Thorpe is named along with Olympian and cancer survivor Raelene Boyle, golfer Jack Newton who lost an arm and an eye in a plane mishap, and Irish-born AFL great Jim Stynes for contributions to their communities and country.

Thorpe, who died this year aged 60, has been posthumously appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.

Thorpe, who fronted Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs, was best known for the rock classic, Most People I Know Think That I'm Crazy.

His award, in recognition of his contributions on and off the stage as a musician, songwriter and producer, will be accepted by his widow, Lynn.

Hundreds of Australians have been recognised for their selfless contributions at home and abroad.

Famous faces join ordinary individuals who do extraordinary deeds for the benefit of others.

Boyle becomes a Member of the Order of Australia for her work with cancer charities.

Newton, 57, receives a Medal of the Order of Australia for his services to diabetes research and junior golf.

All up, 524 people from all walks of life are recognised today for their contributions to our society.

Heading the list is renowned theologian Peter Carnley, the Anglican Primate of Australia, who is among the five men and women appointed Companions (AC) in the Queen's Birthday honours list.

Dr Carnley is joined by the distinguished Brisbane jurist Margaret McMurdo, Melbourne philanthropist Victor Smorgon, Sydney businessman and arts supporter David Gonski and South Australian business leader Ross Adler in being appointed to the highest rank in the Order of Australia.

Army boss Peter Leahy was appointed a Companion in the military division of the order.

There were 33 Officers and 128 Members appointed, and 358 people presented with the Medal of the Order of Australia. The Order of Australia, which was established in 1975 to replace the imperial honours, is open to all Australians. Once again, community service dominated the list with 215 awards.

With The Herald Sun and The Australian

[attachment=19]

Honoured ... Billy Thorpe, seen here with Olivia Newton-John