Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove has called for greater diversity in the Australia Day honours list, as 895 Australians were recognised for their efforts in science, sport, the arts and the community.
Of those being honoured on Australia Day, 67 per cent are men and 33 per cent women.
"These are our nation's honours, reserved for those who are often unsung, quietly working away to uplift our nation," Sir Peter said in his Australia Day message on Friday.
"We'd love to see more diversity in our awards - for women, migrants, indigenous Australians, young people - let's make sure everyone gets a fair go and the chance to be recognised by their country."
Official figures showed 77.3 per cent of General Division Order of Australia nominations for women resulted in an award, slightly above the 72.5 per cent hit rate overall.
Journalist Tracey Spicer, who was appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia, said it was time for greater cultural and gender diversity in both those who select those honoured and the recipients themselves.
"For decades, women have made up only a third of the honorees," she said.
"This makes no sense when women comprise more than half the population, and undertake the vast majority of unpaid labour in our society."
Sports men and women were prominent in the honours list, including the late Betty Cuthbert, Evonne Goolagong-Cawley, Karrie Webb, Belinda Clark, Shane Gould, Rechelle Hawkes, Susie O'Neill, Simon Poidevin, Michael Turtur and Jan Stephenson.
Two federal political figures, former Democrats leader Meg Lees and retired Liberal Party director Brian Loughnane, were recognised for their contributions to the parliament and public policy.
Actor John Gaden, a 76-year-old veteran of stage and screen, is among the artists to be honoured.
Many scientists also made the list, including physicist Gregory Clark and biochemist Jenny Martin.
Gun control advocate Walter Mikac, who lost his wife and children in the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, and high-profile lawyer Geoffrey Robertson QC were also recognised.
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