Former premier shares national stage with comedy legend

Former West Australian Liberal premier Colin Barnett and legendary late comedian Barry Humphries are among 1191 Australians recognised.

Mr Barnett's appointment as one of six AC recipients recognises his achievements as premier in economic and infrastructure development, social welfare reform and service to the Indigenous community.

The 72-year-old held office between 2008 and 2017, becoming the second-longest serving WA premier since World War II.

During that time, he presided over an unprecedented mining boom and forged enduring relationships with China as the emerging mega-power sought WA iron ore to turbocharge its economic development.

At the peak of the boom WA accounted for half of all of Australia's exports, fuelled by Chinese demand for the steelmaking commodity.

"When I became premier in 2008 I was very conscious that the next great event for Western Australia was the development of the Chinese economy," Mr Barnett told AAP.

"So I did put a huge effort, if I can say so, into building that relationship.

"At one stage, exports from Western Australia to China were equal to half of the United States' exports to China - an extraordinary development for a state or regional economy.

"That didn't happen by chance."

Describing himself as a pragmatist rather than a political warrior, Mr Barnett has been outspoken in recent years on the dangers of "poking the panda" amid geopolitical tensions between Australia and China.

His boom-funded legacy projects include the waterfront Elizabeth Quay development, Optus Stadium and major hospitals, delivering what he views as "the most significant transformation of Perth in 100 years".

Mr Barnett also signed Australia's largest native title settlement, recognising the people of the Noongar nations as the traditional owners of Perth and WA's southwest.

He credits Indigenous communities for their pragmatic and courageous efforts to secure the $1.3 billion land use agreement.

"(It) has been the largest and most significant resolution of native title in Australia and probably will be for all time," Mr Barnett said.

"I'm very proud of that and I think that leads Australia in reconciliation with Aboriginal people."

Nicknamed the "emperor" after spending $26 million refurbishing the heritage-listed Hale House which became his office, Mr Barnett's government lost in a 2017 landslide after racking up record debt and deficits.

He called time on his 27-year parliamentary career in 2018.

Melbourne-born Humphries, who died aged 89 in April, has been posthumously appointed a Companion (AC) of the Order of Australia.

The beloved satirist, best known for his alter egos Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson, is recognised for "eminent achievement and merit of the highest degree in service to Australia or to humanity at large".

Humphries will be farewelled at a state memorial at the Sydney Opera House in December.

Other honours recipients include former federal Labor minister Jenny Macklin, a key architect of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and paid parental leave.

Ms Macklin, who was appointed AC, was also a key figure behind the national apology to the Stolen Generation and the 500,000 Forgotten Australians and child migrants who suffered abuse and neglect in out-of-home care.

Author Tim Winton, former Matildas vice-captain and lawyer Moya Dodd and Melbourne lord mayor Sally Capp were among those appointed as an Officer of the Order (AO).

"Recipients have made substantial contributions and had a significant impact at the local, national or international level," Governor-General David Hurley said ahead of Monday's King's Birthday public holiday, which is recognised by most states and territories.

"Some are volunteers, others have had a remarkable impact in professional roles - many have done both. They are all inspiring and their service is valued by us all."

For the first time, the majority of honours recipients - 50.6 per cent - were women.

The youngest recipient was aged 30 and the eldest 97.

Australian Associated Press