June 7, 2026 — 10:00pm
Former NSW Labor premier turned lobbyist Morris Iemma, veteran broadcaster Fran Kelly, and the chief custodian of Sydney’s historic Pyrmont Bridge are among 949 Australians recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours list.
Iemma, who was the state’s 40th premier before he quit politics in 2008, was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for his service to the people of NSW, community sport and the non-profit sector.
Iemma said the award – which is the second-highest honour in the Order of Australia – was a “bit of a surprise”, but one he was “deeply honoured” to receive.
Iemma’s twin roles as a registered lobbyist with his firm, Iemma Patterson Premier Advisory, and a senior Labor figure have stirred controversy since the ALP won the 2023 state election.
