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I’ve successfully nominated three people for an Australian honour. Two devote their lives to helping others, one in a country town, one in Vietnam; all three happen to be blokes. My advice to anyone thinking of nominating someone worthy: gather 25 letters of support, preferably on an organisational letterhead, thus saving the honours secretariat from having to do the heavy lifting.
Michael Thornton
Richmond, Vic

Reading the article by Jacqueline Maley and Nigel Gladstone made me wonder again why we need an honours list at all. Let’s face it, apart from the recipients and their close relatives and acquaintances, who really knows or cares who receives an Order of Australia award? How many readers can even recall off the top of their heads any of the winners of the major awards from 2020, let alone those from five or 10 years ago? The only names we remember are the inexplicable selections like Bettina Arndt, Graham Richardson or, heaven forbid, Bronwyn Bishop. Let’s do away with the awards altogether. Surely worthy people can take pride and satisfaction in a job well done without needing a public pat on the back.
Col Nicholson
Hawks Nest, NSW

This was an interesting article reflecting my own views on the Australian honours system. While it drew attention to the gender bias and the dearth of Indigenous awards or representation on the council for the Order of Australia, there was no mention of Australian Olympic medallists. The gold medallists seem to be automatically given an award for receiving an award!
Vee Saunders
Weetangera, ACT

“It helps to be rich, well-connected, powerful and male.” Yes, but you forgot to mention that it also helps an awful lot if you’re a celebrity (and not necessarily a male one).
John Howes
Rowville, Vic

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Dicey Topics
Dylan Alcott and Benjamin Law combined gigantically on the big topics [January 23]. Genuine people; Oz politics would probably dilute them.
Michael Wight
Balmain, NSW

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