Overview

The Gazette, C2019G00876, dated 10 September 2019, officially notifies the public that the Governor-General has exercised the authority to cancel the award of the Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division, previously granted to Mr Raymond Kenneth Harty. This action follows specific procedures and considerations, reflecting the highest level of scrutiny and governance within the Order of Australia. The decision was made by His Excellency’s command and is documented under the authority of Paul Singer MVO, Secretary of the Order of Australia, ensuring transparency and adherence to the principles governing the prestigious Order. This cancellation underscores the commitment to maintaining the integrity and honour associated with Australian civilian awards.

Scope and Application

The C2019G00876 legislation pertains to the cancellation of the award of the Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division. This Act applies specifically to Mr. Raymond Kenneth Harty, an individual who previously received the award. The scope of this legislation is narrowly focused on the revocation of a particular honour, and it does not extend to any other individuals, entities, industries, or types of conduct or transactions. The jurisdiction of this legislation is within the Commonwealth of Australia, as indicated by the authority of the Governor-General in the cancellation process. Notably, the Act does not provide any exemptions, exclusions, or thresholds, as its application is directly tied to the specific circumstances of Mr. Raymond Kenneth Harty. There are no subordinate instruments extending or restricting the application of this Act.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Gazette C2019G00876 concern the cancellation of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) award made to Mr. Raymond Kenneth Harty. Section 1 of the Gazette provides the formal notification of the cancellation of the award, citing the authority of the Governor-General. Section 2 identifies the individual whose award is being revoked, Mr. Raymond Kenneth Harty. Section 3 explains the basis and rationale for the cancellation, though the specific grounds are not detailed in the excerpt provided. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act primarily involve the formal process of recognising individuals for their significant service to Australia through the Order of Australia. The Governor-General, as the representative of the Queen, holds the authority to award and revoke these honours in accordance with the provisions of the Order of Australia Act 1975. This authority ensures that the integrity and prestige of the honour system are maintained. The Act mandates that any decision to revoke an award must be communicated formally and publicly, as evidenced by the Gazette notification. Such actions are typically taken when an individual’s conduct or circumstances significantly undermine the values and principles represented by the award. The Gazette also implicitly sets out consequences for those who have received such honours but subsequently engage in behaviour that discredits the award. While specific offences and penalties are not detailed in this particular Gazette entry, breaches of the principles underlying the Order of Australia could lead to revocation of the honour. This formal process ensures accountability and upholds the honour’s standards. The revocation of an OAM award is a significant action, often accompanied by a public announcement to maintain transparency and to deter similar misconduct in the future. Although the Gazette does not specify penalties in this instance, the revocation itself serves as a substantial penalty by stripping the individual of a prestigious recognition bestowed by the Australian government.