Several road transport industry stalwarts were recognised in the 2026 Australia Day Honours for their longstanding contributions.
The annual honours list acknowledges more than 900 Australians across multiple fields for outstanding service to the nation.
Paul Darren Scurrah of New South Wales was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the transport, logistics and freight industry.
Scurrah is one of the most recognised leaders in Australian transport. With more than 25 years of executive experience spanning aviation, rail, ports and logistics, his career has crossed virtually every major segment of the freight and transport ecosystem. He has held senior leadership roles including CEO of Virgin Australia and Queensland Rail and senior executive roles with DP World Australia and other major operators.
Currently a Director with the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) and holding board roles with RPMGlobal and other organisations, Scurrah’s influence reaches both strategic policy and operational leadership. His recognition reflects decades of shaping industry direction, advocating for infrastructure development and workforce capability, and driving operational excellence across freight and logistics networks.
In receiving his AM, Scurrah becomes part of a select group of transport leaders whose careers have helped modernise and strengthen Australia’s freight chains – from ports and rail corridors to integrated logistics chains connecting businesses and communities.
The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) said: “A widely respected industry leader, Mr Scurrah has made a substantial contribution to Australia’s freight and logistics networks, supporting innovation, operational excellence and national connectivity across the transport supply chain.”
Also honoured was Maxwell James Luff of Albury, NSW, who received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the road transport industry and to the community.
Luff’s recognition highlights the vital contributions of professionals deeply rooted in road transport operations – a backbone of Australia’s freight logistics. His award reflects a career of commitment to the road freight sector and community involvement, underscoring the often-unsung efforts of those who keep goods moving across vast regional and metropolitan networks.
The VTA said Max Luff was recognised for service to the road transport industry and to the community.
“A pioneering figure in Australian road freight, Mr Luff is best known as the founder of Border Express, building the company from humble beginnings into a nationally recognised transport operator. His influence on the industry spans more than six decades and reflects a lifelong commitment to professionalism, safety and people,” the VTA said.
“In 2011, Mr Luff was named Australian Freight and Logistics Personality of the Year at the Australian Freight Industry Awards, hosted by the VTA. This honour recognised not only his entrepreneurial success, but also his leadership, integrity and enduring contribution to the freight and logistics sector.
His Australia Day honour acknowledges a remarkable legacy that has shaped Australian road transport and inspired generations of industry participants.”
Paula Fox was also recognised for eminent service to the arts, to medical research, and to children and youth, through philanthropic giving, fundraising and governance.
“Her leadership across multiple sectors demonstrates the importance of strong governance and community investment in supporting resilient industries, including transport and logistics,” the VTA said. “Her contribution reflects the broader social responsibility that underpins a sustainable transport sector.”
Gillian Miles was recognised for significant service to the transport and infrastructure sectors.
Her work has contributed to improved transport and infrastructure outcomes through leadership in policy, planning and governance, helping to deliver safer, more efficient and more sustainable transport systems for industry and the community.
On behalf of the VTA Executive Council and Secretariat, we congratulate these recipients on their well‑deserved national recognition. Their achievements have strengthened Australia’s transport industry and serve as an inspiration to all who work within it.
Dr Gillian Eileen Miles was also awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia.
“Gillian Miles was recognised for significant service to the transport and infrastructure sectors,” the VTA said.
“Her work has contributed to improved transport and infrastructure outcomes through leadership in policy, planning and governance, helping to deliver safer, more efficient and more sustainable transport systems for industry and the community.
“On behalf of the VTA Executive Council and Secretariat, we congratulate these recipients on their well‑deserved national recognition. Their achievements have strengthened Australia’s transport industry and serve as an inspiration to all who work within it.”
The honours come at a time when Australia’s transport and freight sectors are under intense focus due to growth pressures and evolving priorities. As highlighted in recent government and industry commentary, freight and logistics account for a significant share of national economic activity and face challenges ranging from workforce shortages to decarbonisation and digital transformation.
Against this backdrop, the Australia Day honours reinforce the importance of leadership that drives not just operational performance but strategic vision, community engagement and industry-wide collaboration.
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