If it's true, as Mike Rann says, that Australian politics is a blood sport, few rolled with the punches like the former South Australian premier.
Mr Rann was Labor leader in SA for 17 years and spent almost a decade as premier before being forced to stand down in 2011 after losing key factional support.
His electoral success - lifting Labor from just 10 seats when he became leader in 1994 to a peak of 28 in 2006 - was undeniable.
And while the state's economic struggles have clouded his fiscal legacy, Mr Rann says major projects like the revitalised Adelaide Oval have improved SA's global standing.
"As a government we didn't shy from making tough and controversial decisions," he told AAP.
"We didn't want to be a do-nothing government. We were elected to lead, not wring our hands."
The former premier has been appointed Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for eminent service to the parliament and community of SA.
Mr Rann's post-retirement career has been largely focused overseas, landing plum postings as Australia's high commissioner to the UK and more recently as ambassador to Italy.
He has since been appointed a visiting professor at the prestigious King's College in London and launched his own consultancy group, with prospective clients to include renewable energy companies.
But he is looking forward to returning to Adelaide and says a recent visit for the funeral of former premier John Bannon showed how far the city had come since his time in office.
"We wanted to improve services and amenities for citizens and visitors around South Australia," he said.
"This was a team effort involving many people."
Mr Rann says the award is in recognition of the hard work of many loyal staff and parliamentary colleagues.
But it should especially recognise the sacrifices made by his wife, Sasha, children David and Eleanor and their mother Jenny.
"Australian politics is often called a blood sport and all political careers have their highs and lows, successes and failures," he said.
"It is the families of political leaders who so often bear a great burden without any accolades."
