Arts Minister Peter Garrett honoured in France

In recognition of his contribution to Australian life and music, Arts Minister Peter Garrett was awarded the prestigious French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres on Friday 26th June. This award honours both Mr Garrett’s achievements as a songwriter and performer with the Midnight Oil rock band and his role as a politician.

Garrett went to Paris to accept the award in person from French Culture Minister Frederic Mitterrand. He is the first minister in an Australian government to receive this award and one of a small group of Australians who have been recognized in this way.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd commented, “This is a great honour for the minister that recognises his significant contribution to arts and culture through music, and as Minister for the Arts. He is a passionate performer and songwriter whose work with Midnight Oil has defined a special era of Australian contemporary music."

To read Peter Garrett’s acceptance speech click here