Government House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
7 March 2025
ORDER OF AUSTRALIA
It is notified for general information that the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia has cancelled the Medal of the Order of Award awarded to:
Mr George Wadih Ghossayn
By Her Excellency’s Command
Gerard Martin PSM
Official Secretary to the Governor-General
Secretary of the Order of Australia
Overview
The Order of Australia Act 1975, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, was introduced to establish an order to recognise Australians and others who have made meritorious achievement or service to Australia or humanity at large. The Act provides a means of honouring individuals who have made a significant contribution to the nation and serves to celebrate and acknowledge their efforts and achievements. The policy objective of the Act is to create a framework for recognising and rewarding Australians who have distinguished themselves in various fields, thus fostering a sense of national pride and encouraging the recognition of outstanding contributions to society.
The cancellation of the Medal of the Order of Award awarded to Mr George Wadih Ghossayn, as notified by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, highlights the serious nature of misconduct that can lead to the revocation of such honours. This action reflects the commitment of the Australian government to maintain the integrity and prestige of the Order of Australia, ensuring that it continues to be a symbol of excellence and merit. The notification serves as a public record of the decision and underscores the importance of upholding the values that the Order represents.
Scope and Application
The cancellation of the Medal of the Order of Australia, as notified in the Gazette (C2025G00139), applies specifically to Mr George Wadih Ghossayn. This cancellation is issued by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, thereby impacting the individual directly and nullifying any recognition or entitlements associated with the medal. The Gazette serves as a formal announcement to the public, ensuring transparency and accountability in the administration of national honours and awards. The scope of the notification is limited to the affected individual, Mr Ghossayn, and the revocation of his previously awarded Medal of the Order of Australia. This act does not extend to other recipients or individuals within the Order of Australia system, nor does it affect any other awards or recognitions they might hold. The Gazette serves as a public record and notification mechanism, ensuring that the cancellation is officially documented and communicated to the public.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of this legislation, specifically C2025G00139 (Gazette), concern the cancellation of the Medal of the Order of Australia awarded to Mr. George Wadih Ghossayn. Section 1 provides the formal notification of the Governor-General’s decision to cancel the award, while Section 2 identifies the individual, Mr. George Wadih Ghossayn, whose medal is being revoked. Section 3 authorises the issuance of this notification through the Official Secretary to the Governor-General, Gerard Martin PSM, who is also the Secretary of the Order of Australia.
Under this legislation, the primary obligation imposed on the parties involved is the requirement for formal notification and documentation of the cancellation process. The Governor-General, through the Secretary of the Order of Australia, must ensure that the revocation is properly communicated and officially recorded. The document issued under Section 2 by Gerard Martin PSM, as Official Secretary, serves as the formal notification to Mr. George Wadih Ghossayn and the public of this decision.
The implications of breaching the procedures outlined in this legislation are not explicitly detailed within the text. However, it is implicit that any action or omission that undermines the integrity of the cancellation process could be subject to scrutiny or legal consequences. Although the specific offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance are not stated, it is reasonable to infer that any irregularities in the handling of the cancellation of such an award could lead to administrative or legal repercussions for those involved in the process. The formal notification serves as both a record and a deterrent against improper conduct in relation to the revocation of the Order of Australia.
In summary, this legislation mandates the formal cancellation of the Medal of the Order of Australia for Mr. George Wadih Ghossayn, with clear directives on how this decision is to be communicated and recorded. While the specific legal consequences for non-compliance are not outlined, the act of issuing the notification itself serves as a formal and binding step in the revocation process, highlighting the importance of adherence to procedural integrity in such matters.