ANU CES Fellow Dr Brendan Nelson AO awarded Australia Day honour

ANU CES Fellow Dr Brendan Nelson AO awarded Australia Day honour
ANU CES Fellow Dr Brendan Nelson AO awarded Australia Day honour
Thursday 28 January 2016

A Distinguished Research Fellow in the Australian National University’s Centre for European Studies has been formally recognised in the 2016 Australia Day honours list.

The Hon. Dr Brendan Nelson was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his distinguished service to the Australian Parliament, the community, advancement of Australia’s international relations and major cultural institutions.

Joining him on the honours ranks was ANU Bachelor of Arts alumnus, Lieutenant General (Retired) David Morrison AO, who was named the 2016 Australian of the Year.

“We are delighted by the success of our Arts alumnus, David Morrison, and Distinguished Research Fellow, Dr Brendan Nelson,” College of Arts and Social Sciences Dean, Professor Paul Pickering, said.

“On behalf of the College, I congratulate Lt. Gen (Ret’d) Morrison and Dr Nelson for their awards.”

Dr Nelson AO has been a Fellow at the ANU Centre for European Studies since April 2013 in an honorary role that provides a chance for distinguished people outside the University to participate in its education, research and policy engagement.

Centre Director, Professor Jacqueline Lo, said the University and Centre were thrilled by Dr Nelson’s honour.

“He’s played a major role contributing to Australian political life and public office, not only while in parliament but in his earlier role as a doctor and medical practitioner who has had a major influence in the public health sector,” Professor Lo said.

“He’s also made a considerable role advancing Australia’s interests in Europe while an Ambassador to the EU, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, Belgium and Luxembourg from 2009 to 2012.

“Dr Nelson has had a ground-breaking role as Director of the War Memorial in this especially important period commemorating a century since the First World War.

“He has made a major contribution to public memory and his collaborative engagement in the wider community, particularly the political, education and cultural worlds.”

Director of the Australian War Memorial since 2012, Dr Nelson AO was the youngest president of the Australian Medical Association when elected in 1993. He was a Member of Parliament between 1996 and 2009, including Minister for Education, Science and Training (2001-2006), Minister for Defence (2006-2007) and Federal Opposition Leader of the Liberals (2007-2008).

 

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Updated:  28 January 2016/Responsible Officer:  Head of School/Page Contact:  CASS Marketing & Communications