Award Colin Roderick Award

Australian of the Year (2007)

Edgeworth David Medal

Centenary of Federation Medal

Australian Humanist of the Year (2005)

NSW Australian of the Year (2006)

NSW Premier’s Literary Prizes for Best Critical Writing and Book of the Year (The Weather Makers, 2006)

US Lannan Award for Non-fiction works (2006)

Miles Franklin Award (2010)

Crime Writers' Association Duncan Lawrie Gold Dagger Award (2007)

Ned Kelly Award (1997, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2006)