Here is an analysis of Australian of the Year for the last two 15 year periods. The result does not support the hypothesis: "The choices become more ludicrous each year, & it is becoming embarrassing." In fact what is striking is how consistent the figures are. Women, business, the military, religion are under-represented throughout - and where are the farmers? And scientists in non-medical fields (geology, agriculture, ecology, physics, astronomy)?

My prediction for 2015? Not all state finalists chosen yet, but it seems time for another medico!

Australian of the Year: 2000-2014

2014 Adam Goodes – Champion footballer, works with troubled youth
2013 Ita Buttrose AO OBE – media career, President Alzeihemers Australia
2012 Geoffrey Rush Oscar winning actor
2011 Simon McKeon investment banker, philanthropist, yachtsman
2010 Professor Patrick McGorry mental health expert
2009 Professor Michael Dodson Barrister, academic, indigenous leader
2008 Lee Kernaghan OAM County Music legend
2007 Professor Tim Flannery Scientist, writer
2006 Professor Ian Frazer Immunologist, cancer researcher
2005 Dr Fiona Wood Plastic surgeon
2004 Steve Waugh AM Test cricket captain
2003 Professor Fiona Stanley Epidemiologist, child health
2002 Patrick Rafter Champion tennis player
2001 General Peter Cosgrove AC MC Chief Defence Force, Timor, Cyclone Tracy
2000 Sir Gustav Nossal AC CBE Medical scientist

Australian of the Year 1985-1999

1999 Mark Taylor OA Test Cricket captain
1998 Cathy Freeman OAM Champion Athlete
1997 Professor Peter Doherty AC Nobel Prize medicine
1996 Dr John Yu AC Pediatrician
1995 Arthur Boyd AC OBE Artist, benefactor
1994 Ian Kernan AO Environmental campaigner
1993 No award due system changes
1992 M Yunupingu Aboriginal educator, musician
1991 Archbishop Peter Hollingworth AO OBE Social justice advocate
1990 Professor Fred Hollows AC Opthamologist
1989 Allan Border AO Test Cricket captain
1988 Kay Cottee AO Solo yachtswoman
1987 John Farnham Singer,Musician
1986 Dick Smith Entrepreneur, adventurer
1985 Peter Hogan AM Actor
1984 Lowitja O’Donaghue AC CBE Aboriginal Leader

Summary:
2000-2014, 1984-1999
Medical/Science: 5, 3
Sport: 3, 4
Media/Entertainment /Music/Art: 3, 4
Business: 1, 1
Environmentalist:1, 1
Military: 1, 0
Religion: 0, 1
Men: 12, 13
Women: 3, 2
Aboriginal: 2, 3

Woops!

1985 Paul Hogan