Australian PM requests Queen for new honors for natural disaster heroes

Gillard said the awards would be backdated to include those involved in the Victorian bushfire recovery and the recent floods in Queensland.

"I thought this was the right place in the nation to make a very special announcement about how we will honor in the future those who have done such courageous things, such selfless things during these dark and difficult days," she told Australia Associated Press during an Australia Day celebration event in Queensland on Wednesday.

"Through the governor-general I have requested of the Queen that on Australia Day in the future we will have special honors where we will acknowledge Australians who have done that extra bit during natural disasters and emergencies."

She said the nation will never forget those we have lost in this period, but they should also never forget the community spirit that has been shown. Kazinform cites Xinhua. See www.xinhuanet.com for full version