Former PM Morrison Named to Highest Australian Honor, Calls for Defense Spending Boost

Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia, the nation's highest honor, as part of the 2025 King's Birthday Honours list recognizing more than 800 Australians.

Morrison used the recognition to renew calls for increased defense spending, saying Australia should raise military expenditure to 3% of GDP amid ongoing regional security challenges.

"This is a common requirement that has been put forward across all allies and partners, not just Australia," Morrison told Sky News. "Significant change we're seeing in the security environment necessitates such a strong response."

The appointment honors Morrison's service through major crises including bushfires, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic. Morrison cited the creation of the AUKUS trilateral partnership with the United States and United Kingdom as among his proudest achievements.

"That really did, I think, proved to be a game changer in how there was pushback against those who were seeking to destabilise the region," Morrison said. "And I've been very pleased that that has endured to this day."

Morrison's call for higher defense spending echoes recent statements by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and reflects growing concerns about Indo-Pacific security challenges.

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