It's a good start to the year for Geoffrey Rush.<br/> The actor was awarded Australian of the Year for 2012 in the country's capital Canberra for his contribution to the arts.<br/> Australia's Prime Minister made the honour:<br/> SOUNDBITE Julia Gillard, Australian Prime Minister, saying (English):<br/> "Ladies and gentlemen, Geoffrey Rush."<br/> 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:<br/> SOUNDBITE Geoffrey Rush, actor, saying (English):<br/> "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."<br/> The actor said he hoped his award would encourage more young people to go to the theatre and cinema.<br/> SOUNDBITE Geoffrey Rush, actor, saying (English):<br/> "The most key thing is to work particularly with film organisations and theatre organisations to see how we can keep bolstering the youth audience."<br/> Rush also said he would use the award to "put an arts perspective" on issues like the plight of asylum seekers to Australia.<br/> SOUNDBITE Geoffrey Rush, actor, saying (English):<br/> "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."<br/> Rush has covered a broad range of roles in his career.<br/> Most recently he appeared in Pirates of The Caribbean and The King's Speech, for which he won a BAFTA.<br/> Mirja Mey, Reuters
