Awarding of Honorary Order of Australia to the Honourable Dr George Pratt Shultz

Media release

San Francisco

14 September 2011

Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd tonight presented the award of honorary Officer in the Order of Australia to former US Secretary of State George Shultz.

Mr Rudd presented the award at the commencement of the Australia-US Ministerial (AUSMIN) consultations, which Dr Shultz was instrumental in establishing.

“The award has been made in recognition of Dr Shultz’s work enhancing mutual understanding between our two countries and strengthening our alliance with the United States,” Mr Rudd said.

Dr Shultz served as US Secretary of State from 1982 to 1989, during the final years of the Cold War, and was a key supporter of Australian initiatives in Washington. During his time as Secretary of State, Dr Shultz demonstrated a close appreciation of Australia’s importance and reliability as an ally and ensured that US views and information were shared with Australia. 

During his career, Dr Shultz also worked with Australian leaders to further arms control agreements, initiatives in Indo-China, the creation of APEC, efforts to end apartheid in South Africa, and outreach to China.

“It is especially fitting that his efforts be acknowledged in this 60th anniversary year of the ANZUS Treaty, a treaty he did so much to bring into practical force,” Mr Rudd said.

Media enquiries