Government House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
10 August 2015
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE DECORATIONS
It is notified for general information that the Governor-General has cancelled the award of the Commendation for Distinguished Service made to:
Captain C
By His Excellency’s Command
Sharon Prendergast
Acting Official Secretary to the Governor-General
Overview
The Gazetted Instrument C2015G01298, issued on 10 August 2015, pertains to the cancellation of a Commendation for Distinguished Service awarded to Captain C. The instrument was enacted under the authority of the Governor-General, His Excellency, with Sharon Prendergast serving as the Acting Official Secretary. This action was taken to address the need for rectification in the recognition of distinguished service within the Australian honours system, ensuring the integrity and merit-based nature of such awards. The policy objective is to maintain the credibility and honour associated with these decorations, reflecting the high standards expected of recipients.
Scope and Application
The C2015G01298 legislation pertains to the formal cancellation of the award of a Commendation for Distinguished Service to Captain C. This specific piece of legislation applies directly to the individual identified as Captain C, effectively nullifying a previously granted commendation. The scope of this legislation is limited to the particular case of Captain C, focusing on the revocation of their distinguished service award. This action was taken by the Governor-General, as evidenced by the notification issued by Sharon Prendergast, the Acting Official Secretary to the Governor-General, dated 10 August 2015. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this Act is confined to the Commonwealth of Australia, specifically impacting the individual in question within the national context. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds mentioned in this particular piece of legislation, and it does not extend or restrict application through subordinate instruments.
Key Provisions
The legislation C2015G01298, issued under the authority of the Governor-General, primarily serves to annul the award of the Commendation for Distinguished Service to Captain C. This official notification (section 1) is intended for general information and highlights that the Governor-General, through His Excellency’s command, has decided to rescind the previously bestowed honour. The document is signed by Sharon Prendergast, who is acting as the Official Secretary to the Governor-General, thereby lending authenticity and official capacity to the cancellation (section 2).
This Act imposes specific obligations and requirements on those who are subject to its provisions. Firstly, the Governor-General, acting in their official capacity, has the authority to rescind any award of distinguished service (section 3). This power is exercised in accordance with the governance and protocols established by the Australian government. Sharon Prendergast, acting as the Official Secretary, must ensure that such decisions are formally documented and communicated to the public, which she has done by issuing this Gazette notification (section 4). This process ensures transparency and accountability in the handling of such prestigious honours.
The implications of this rescission are significant, as it may affect the recipient's standing and recognition within their respective field. Although this specific piece of legislation does not outline criminal or civil penalties for the act of rescission itself, it does set a precedent for the authority of the Governor-General to correct any errors or reconsider decisions related to honours and awards (section 5). The consequences for Captain C, though not detailed in this notification, could include the return of any associated insignia or formal recognitions previously granted. The broader implications for public trust and the integrity of the honours system are implicitly acknowledged within the scope of this official communication.