ID :
15895
Thu, 08/14/2008 - 20:41
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/15895
The shortlink copeid
Ex-PM Howard receives honour from G-G
John Howard may have left parliament, but he can still pull a crowd in Canberra.
The former prime minister returned to the national capital on Thursday to receive aCompanion of the Order of Australia at a formal ceremony at Government House.
A relaxed Mr Howard was the centre of attention, beaming at fellow recipients andjoking with journalists.
But while he was happy to chat about how he was feeling upbeat, he refused to make any comment on the burning issue - whether Peter Costello should replace BrendanNelson as Liberal leader.
With Dr Nelson floundering in the polls, Mr Costello is expected to make hisambitions clear next month when he releases his memoirs.
Mr Howard had just one message for his former treasurer.
"Happy birthday, Peter," Mr Howard told reporters.
Mr Howard did reveal that, like Mr Costello, he is writing his memoirs.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd congratulated Mr Howard, the man he defeated at lastNovember's election, on his award.
"These sort of awards are beyond party politics," Mr Rudd said.
"We should all acknowledge Mr Howard's long contribution to Australian nationalpolitical life.
"I congratulate him and wish him well with his award." Mr Howard was one of more than 70 people who received awards at two investitureceremonies in Canberra.
The ceremonies were presided over by the outgoing governor-general, Major GeneralMichael Jeffery.
Former Howard staffer Arthur Sinodinos received an award - for services to politicsand to the Greek community.
TV guru Reg Grundy was singled out for his work in bringing shows like Neighboursand Prisoner to the masses.
The late Peter Andren, who died from pancreatic cancer last year while still an independent MP, was remembered when his son accepted a Member in the GeneralDivision honour on his father's behalf.
Mr Andren was well respected by his parliamentary peers and popular in his NSWelectorate of Calare.
"It's a little bit bittersweet," Greg Andren said.
"He did it all for his electorate, and he believed that was his role, to represent his constituents and I think he did that in a very honourable and efficient way." Shane Warburton, a sailor who rescued a colleague in a Sea King helicopter crash offIndonesia in 2005, received the Star of Courage for bravery.
Former trade union leader Bill Kelty, appointed an Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia, said the honour was for the union movement generallyrather than him personally.
The police officer who led the Australian investigation of the Bali bombings, Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Andrew Colvin, also received anaward.
The former prime minister returned to the national capital on Thursday to receive aCompanion of the Order of Australia at a formal ceremony at Government House.
A relaxed Mr Howard was the centre of attention, beaming at fellow recipients andjoking with journalists.
But while he was happy to chat about how he was feeling upbeat, he refused to make any comment on the burning issue - whether Peter Costello should replace BrendanNelson as Liberal leader.
With Dr Nelson floundering in the polls, Mr Costello is expected to make hisambitions clear next month when he releases his memoirs.
Mr Howard had just one message for his former treasurer.
"Happy birthday, Peter," Mr Howard told reporters.
Mr Howard did reveal that, like Mr Costello, he is writing his memoirs.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd congratulated Mr Howard, the man he defeated at lastNovember's election, on his award.
"These sort of awards are beyond party politics," Mr Rudd said.
"We should all acknowledge Mr Howard's long contribution to Australian nationalpolitical life.
"I congratulate him and wish him well with his award." Mr Howard was one of more than 70 people who received awards at two investitureceremonies in Canberra.
The ceremonies were presided over by the outgoing governor-general, Major GeneralMichael Jeffery.
Former Howard staffer Arthur Sinodinos received an award - for services to politicsand to the Greek community.
TV guru Reg Grundy was singled out for his work in bringing shows like Neighboursand Prisoner to the masses.
The late Peter Andren, who died from pancreatic cancer last year while still an independent MP, was remembered when his son accepted a Member in the GeneralDivision honour on his father's behalf.
Mr Andren was well respected by his parliamentary peers and popular in his NSWelectorate of Calare.
"It's a little bit bittersweet," Greg Andren said.
"He did it all for his electorate, and he believed that was his role, to represent his constituents and I think he did that in a very honourable and efficient way." Shane Warburton, a sailor who rescued a colleague in a Sea King helicopter crash offIndonesia in 2005, received the Star of Courage for bravery.
Former trade union leader Bill Kelty, appointed an Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia, said the honour was for the union movement generallyrather than him personally.
The police officer who led the Australian investigation of the Bali bombings, Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Andrew Colvin, also received anaward.
