It's a good start to the year for Geoffrey Rush. The actor was awarded Australian of the Year for 2012 in the country's capital Canberra for his contribution to the arts. Australia's Prime Minister made the honour: SOUNDBITE Julia Gillard, Australian Prime Minister, saying (English): "Ladies and gentlemen, Geoffrey Rush." Rush shot to global fame for his Oscar-winning performance in the 1996 film "Shine". Over 15 years later, and his collection of accolades is growing: SOUNDBITE Geoffrey Rush, actor, saying (English): "They tell me this one is eight kilograms heavy. It may well break the shelf I have in my study that's got other awards on it, so I'm not to sure." The actor said he hoped his award would encourage more young people to go to the theatre and cinema. SOUNDBITE Geoffrey Rush, actor, saying (English): "The most key thing is to work particularly with film organisations and theatre organisations to see how we can keep bolstering the youth audience." Rush also said he would use the award to "put an arts perspective" on issues like the plight of asylum seekers to Australia. SOUNDBITE Geoffrey Rush, actor, saying (English): "I want to see the stories of why are these people wanting to come here at great peril to their lives with such extraordinary bravery." Rush has covered a broad range of roles in his career. Most recently he appeared in Pirates of The Caribbean and The King's Speech, for which he won a BAFTA. Mirja Mey, Reuters
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