June 2012, Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced that Houston would chair an expert group that would examine asylum seeker policy and prepare a report recommending a solution for the Government's consideration. In February 2014, Houston was appointed chair of the Defence SA Advisory Board. The position was previously held by General Peter Cosgrove. On 30 March 2014, Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced that Houston will head the Joint Agency Coordination Centre (JACC), based in Perth, formed to oversee the efforts to find Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. At that time, the plane had been missing for just over three weeks since its disappearance on about Saturday, 8 March 2014. On 26 January 2015, Houston was appointed a Knight of the Order of Australia (AK) for his service to Australia and commitment to the MH17 and MH 370 disasters. Saying he was "surprised and deeply humbled," he said he would prefer to be called by his name instead of "Sir Angus." "It's a great honour to be recognised in this way. But I'd like people to still call me Angus. That's probably the way I am," he said. The ceremony in which he was officially knighted was held on 17 April 2015 at Government House, Canberra by the Governor-General of Australia, General Sir Peter Cosgrove. On 1 June 2015, Houston was announced as the new special envoy for South Australia. According to Premier Jay Weatherill, Houston is tasked with supporting trade missions, providing advice on international engagement strategies and providing important introductions in key markets. Weatherill also noted Houston's strong relationships with military leaders across Asia being potentially advantageous to the state. Houston was elected to the role of chancellor of the University of the Sunshine Coast and took office from 1 April 2017. Houston was appointed to the board of Virgin Australia in December 2018, replacing Mark Vaile. Houston is an Honorary Patron of the ACT Veterans Rugby Club, the Bomber Command Association in Australia, Sunnyfield Disability Services and the Australian American Association Canberra Division. He is the chair of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra. Houston is a member of the senior advisory group of the Indonesia-Australia Defence Alumni Association (IKAHAN). Personal life Houston and his wife Liz, who is a teacher, have three sons. In July 2010, while CDF, Houston took medical leave to deal with prostate issues. Honours and awards Scholastic Chancellor, visitor, governor, rector and fellowships Honorary degrees References