Men’s rights activist Bettina Arndt should have her of Order of Australia annulled, according to Victorian Attorney-General Jill Hennessy.
Sexual assault survivors and advocates of domestic violence prevention have , awarded for her “significant service to the community as a social commentator and to gender equity through advocacy for men”.
Ms Hennessy has written to Australia's Governor-General David Hurley, asking him to “consider cancellation” of Ms Arndt’s award.
"Taking into account Ms Arndt's well-documented opinions, public commentary and media appearances - which include sympathising with a convicted paedophile and blaming and shaming victims - this award is an insult to victims of sexual abuse and to those of us who work hard every day to prevent it," Ms Hennessey wrote in the letter, posted to Facebook on Wednesday night.
"Ms Arndt's views and activities diminish the devastating experiences of victim-survivors of family and sexual violence, promote division and encourage victim-survivors from taking steps to ensure their survival and safety."
In her Facebook post accompanying the letter, Ms Hennessey added: “Australians deserve better”.
Ms Arndt responded to news of Ms Hennessey’s letter on Twitter, accusing her of giving in to "ideologues".
“Shame on Victoria's first law officer, Jill Hennessy, the Victorian Attorney General for responding to muckraking from ideologues rather than seeking proper evidence,” she wrote.
SBS News has contacted her for further comment.
Ms Arndt came to prominence in the 1970s as a sex therapist and author. She has written several books, including the most-recently published '#MenToo'.
In 2017 she was criticised for giving a platform to twice-convicted Tasmanian paedophile, Nicolaas Bester, who was jailed for raping his 15-year-old student.
Ms Arndt issued an apology in 2018 after segments were aired on 60 Minutes, saying she did not condone Bester's crimes.
Along with her work as a journalist and author, the citation for her honour notes her 2018 "Fake Rape Crisis" university speaking tour in which she campaigned against changes to consent laws.
On Sunday, Ms Arndt said she hoped the honour would attract more volunteers to join her campaigns including trying to shut down "illegal campus kangaroo courts".
It is not the first time the honours system has been called into question.
Last June, a former candidate of a far-right political party was made a member of the Order of Australia on the Queen's Birthday, sparking controversy.
Professor Adrian Cheok, who made his name in artificial intelligence and by advocating for sex with robots, ran as a candidate for the Fraser Anning Conservative National Party at the federal election.
Former entertainer Rolf Harris's award was rescinded following his 2014 conviction for historical sex offences.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, family or domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
