I congratulate Mr John Whitton Haslem of Batemans Bay on being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division in the King’s Birthday 2026 Honours List.

This honour recognises John’s outstanding service to the community through a range of roles over many decades. His public life  includes service as the Federal Member for Canberra from 1975 to 1980, and his continuing commitment to parliamentary service through the Association of Former Members of Parliament of Australia, where he served as president for more than a decade and remains secretary.

John has given generously to civic and charitable causes. He has supported the Salvation Army, chaired Red Shield Appeals in Canberra and Batemans Bay, served Rotary for more than 50 years, and contributed to schools, business organisations, legal practice and local development.

In Batemans Bay, John has been a strong local contributor through the Chamber of Commerce, the Eurobodalla Business Development Board, Rotary and local business. His record shows leadership and a deep belief in service.

On behalf of the Bega electorate, I thank John Haslem for his long and generous contribution to public life and community life and congratulate him on this well-deserved honour.