Should the Australian of the year award be decided by popular vote?

Question

I am doing a debate on this topic tomorrow, I am on the negative team but would also like some points on the other augment. So please give your honest opinion, thank you.

Answer 1

If you do this then the 'Australian of the Year' will be chosen based on nothing but popularity and fame.

This would tend to eliminate all of those people working quietly to make the world a better place who are not interested in publicity and self-promotion.