Honorary Appointment - General Division - August 2022 (4)

Overview

The Australian Honours System, established in 1975, is designed to recognise and reward exemplary service and achievements by individuals and organisations in various fields, including diplomacy, community service, and the arts. The system is overseen by the Governor-General, who acts on the advice of the Australian Government. The late Mr ABE Shinzo was honoured with an Honorary Companion (AC) in the General Division for his eminent service to the Australia-Japan bilateral relationship, reflecting the importance of fostering and maintaining strong diplomatic ties between the two nations. This appointment exemplifies the policy objective of the Australian Honours System to acknowledge and celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation and its relationships with other countries.

Scope and Application

The C2022G00809 Act, as announced in the Government House Gazette of 31 August 2022, pertains to the appointment of an honorary companion (AC) in the general division to recognise eminent service to the Australia-Japan bilateral relationship. This specific legislative act is targeted at recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to strengthening ties between Australia and Japan, highlighting the importance of the relationship between these two nations. The scope of the act is limited to individuals who have rendered exceptional service in enhancing the bilateral relationship, with this particular instance recognising the late Mr. Abe Shinzo for his contributions. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this legislation is primarily symbolic and honorary, extending beyond national borders to recognise international diplomatic efforts. There are no explicit exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds outlined in the act itself, as it is an honorary appointment focused on recognising service rather than regulating conduct or transactions. The act does not extend its application through subordinate instruments, as it serves a ceremonial and recognition purpose rather than establishing a regulatory framework.

Key Provisions

The legislation C2022G00809 (Gazette) pertains to the appointment of an individual to an honorary position within the Australian honours system. Specifically, it appoints Mr. ABE Shinzo, who has passed away, as an Honorary Companion (AC) in the General Division (section 4). This honorary appointment is made in recognition of Mr. ABE's eminent service to the Australia-Japan bilateral relationship. Under this legislation, the Governor-General has the authority to make such appointments. The requirements and procedures for these appointments are not explicitly detailed in this specific piece of legislation but are governed by broader honours system guidelines and protocols. The Governor-General's decision to appoint Mr. ABE Shinzo reflects a formal acknowledgment of his significant contributions to strengthening the ties between Australia and Japan. The obligations imposed by this Act are primarily on the Governor-General and the Office of the Governor-General. The Governor-General must follow due process in making such appointments, ensuring that they are made in accordance with the criteria set out for the honours system. The Office of the Governor-General is responsible for managing the administration and communication of these appointments, ensuring they are gazetted and formally recognised. There are no direct offences, penalties, or consequences stipulated within this particular piece of legislation for breach. However, the process of making appointments to the honours system is highly regulated, and any irregularities or breaches of protocol could potentially lead to broader repercussions within the honours system, including possible revocation of honours. The maximum penalties for such breaches would typically be determined by the overarching honours system guidelines rather than this specific Act.