A diverse range of Australians across science, business, and sport – many of them with a deep connection to philanthropy – have been recognised in the 2022 Australia Day Honours. Gina Rinehart also received an AO, for distinguished service to the mining sector, to the community through philanthropic initiatives, and to sport as a patron.
Roy Hill and Hancock Prospecting executive chair Gina Rinehart has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in the General Division, as part of the Australia Day 2022 Honours list. The mining magnate, who was one of only 25 Australians selected for the honour this year, was recognised for “distinguished service to the mining sector, to the community through philanthropic initiatives and to sport as a patron”.
Friday January 28, 2022.
Video commentary by former Victorian Liberal Party President Michael Kroger.
The nation’s richest person, Gina Rinehart – at last count worth $36bn – was one of 25 Australians to become an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), in Mrs Rinehart’s case for distinguished service to the mining sector and for her philanthropy. The 67-year-old iron ore billionaire was recognised for her support of causes such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service and her patronage of sports, including swimming and volleyball.
Governor-General David Hurley congratulated the winners. “Collectively the recipients, whose achievements span community service, science and research, industry, sport, the arts and more, represent the strength and diversity of Australia,” he said. “It has been a challenging couple of years and the recipients announced are a reminder and reflection of the richness of spirit, selflessness and good in our community.”
Gina Rinehart “singlehandedly saved our sport”, according to Olympic Swimmer Mitch Larkin. It comes after mining magnate Gina Rinehart was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia for services to mining, community and sport. “She’s such a caring and supportive lady,” Mr Larkin told Sky News host Rowan Dean.
Mrs Rinehart, who oversees the Hancock Prospecting mining empire that helped deliver a fortune estimated at $31 billion last year, and extensive cattle and pastoral interests, has been made an officer (AO) of the Order of Australia. After sponsors withdrew support for Swimming Australia in response to its poor showing at the London 2012 Olympics, Mrs Rinehart stepped up her funding. “This allowed many athletes myself included to see that there was a future career in swimming for us,” Ms Campbell said.
Hancock is one of the biggest taxpayers in Australia and has weathered the Covid pandemic. Its company profit for the year to June came after revenue for Mrs Rinehart’s Hancock rose to a record $16.6bn from $10.5bn a year earlier and the business paid a huge $2.7bn in federal corporate and state taxes. Last year was also a significant one away from mining for Mrs Rinehart, who watched strong performances by athletes in the four sports she backs at the Tokyo Olympic Games. Swimmers, rowers, beach volleyball players and artistic swimming representatives all receive direct support from Mrs Rinehart, as part of charitable and sponsorship pursuits the billionaire undertakes that also includes helping Cambodian girls out of poverty. All of the support has been recognised in this year’s Australia Day honours, with Mrs Rinehart gaining the title of Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the mining sector, to the community through philanthropic initiatives, and to sport as a patron.
Ms Rinehart was made an officer in the general division of the Order of Australia. The mining magnate was recognised for distinguished service to the mining sector, to the community through philanthropic initiatives, and to sport as a patron. Governor-General David Hurley welcomed the new additions to the honours list. “It has been a challenging couple of years and the recipients announced today are a reminder and reflection of the richness of spirit, selflessness and good in our community,” he said.
The mining magnate is one of just 25 people in the country to be appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in the general division. According to her citation, she has been recognised for “distinguished service to the mining sector, to the community through philanthropic initiatives and to sport as a patron”.
Wishing you a safe and happy Australia Day 2022.
