Maybe I’m getting cynical at my age but I don’t see how someone qualifying for the astronaut program (but never actually having been to space) makes someone worthy of being named Australian of the Year. I’ve nothing against Katherine Bennell-Pegg and wish her well. But it seems like Albanese just made the Australian of the Year award a participation trophy, much like the ridiculous peace trophy Trump got from the FIFA boss.

Does anyone feel the same way about this?

Poll.

It can only be a desperate clinging to Daddy Trump's big nuke submarines and boosting his ego.

chimera wrote on Jan 27^th, 2026 at 11:12am:

It can only be a desperate clinging to Daddy Trump's big nuke submarines and boosting his ego.

Submarines don't go into Space  ::) ::) DH

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 27^th, 2026 at 10:42am:

Maybe I’m getting cynical at my age but I don’t see how someone qualifying for the astronaut program (but never actually having been to space) makes someone worthy of being named Australian of the Year. I’ve nothing against Katherine Bennell-Pegg and wish her well. But it seems like Albanese just made the Australian of the Year award a participation trophy, much like the ridiculous peace trophy Trump got from the FIFA boss. Does anyone feel the same way about this?

Agree with your sentiments.

Considering how many times Donald Trump was mentioned in the Australian political forum the Australian of the Year should be awarded to him.

tallowood wrote on Jan 27^th, 2026 at 12:16pm:

Considering how many times Donald Trump was mentioned in the Australian political forum the Australian of the Year should be awarded to him.

Careful, don't go giving him any ideas or he might tariff us 100% on everything we export unless we do it!

Gnads wrote on Jan 27^th, 2026 at 12:08pm:

Submarines don't go into Space

You always miss the point.
' By 2025-2026, Australians are embedded within USN Virginia-class submarine crews, with plans for hundreds of Australian personnel to serve on U.S. attack submarines.'

They can't all be Aust of Year and don't even make the news.  NASA astronauts do as it's prestigious, expensive and limited.
AUKUS is big for Albo. The award to the astronaut puts Australia in favour with Mr America just like 1942 and the Coral Sea battle..

Two uncontroversial ones in a row.  8)

Neale Daniher was a good choice last year.

Katherine Bennell-Pegg is a good choice this year.

Much much better than you-know-who!!!!

https://i.imgur.com/vpuIOXr.jpg

;D

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 27^th, 2026 at 12:21pm:

tallowood wrote on Jan 27th, 2026 at 12:16pm: Considering how many times Donald Trump was mentioned in the Australian political forum the Australian of the Year should be awarded to him. Careful, don't go giving him any ideas or he might tariff us 100% on everything we export unless we do it!

This will force Australian exporters to export to Australia, which would drop local prices down.

Captain Nemo wrote on Jan 27^th, 2026 at 12:37pm:

Two uncontroversial ones in a row.  8) Neale Daniher was a good choice last year. Katherine Bennell-Pegg is a good choice this year. Much much better than you-know-who!!!! https://i.imgur.com/vpuIOXr.jpg ;D

A pile of dog crap from an Aussie Blue Heeler would be a better candidate than that monstrosity of a woman.

Utter nonsense - someone who positively conributed to Australia and the benefit of its people should have got the gong...

Ahmed Al Ahmed, AS i SAID AT THE TIME .... the bureaucrats said he wasn't in the running because nominations had closed.

Well - easy as pie - you just say 'carried by acclaim!'

Weak as piss - some sheila who's never been into space, whose work there will do nothing for Australia - is NOT Australian of the year.

Sick of Albo and his Pet Sheilas?  I TOLD YOU SO!

When are you clowns who voted for ths stationary clown show going to wake up? 

What have you idiots done to us THIS time?