Overview

The C2022G00715 Gazette issued on 10 August 2022 announces honorary appointments within the General Division, recognising significant contributions from individuals to Australia. The appointments were made by the Governor-General, reflecting the highest form of recognition for distinguished service to the nation. The policy objective, as evidenced by the citations, is to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of notable individuals who have made substantial impacts in areas such as philanthropy, health, research, higher education, and international relations. These appointments serve to honour their service and reinforce the ties between Australia and other nations, highlighting the importance of global engagement and support for national priorities.

Scope and Application

The announcement of the honorary appointments made by the Governor-General in August 2022, as published in the Gazette C2022G00715, pertains to individuals from foreign nations being recognised for their significant contributions to Australia, specifically in areas such as philanthropy, health, research, higher education, and bilateral relationships. This recognition underscores the Commonwealth’s acknowledgment and appreciation of their services, which have notably benefited Australian society. The appointments, designated as Honorary Companion (AC) in the General Division and Honorary Member (AM) in the General Division, are not limited by geographic jurisdiction but rather celebrate the international impact and influence of the recipients’ work on Australia. This announcement does not detail specific exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, nor does it elaborate on the extension or restriction of application through subordinate instruments. The scope of the appointments is confined to the personal recognition of the individuals named, without extending to entities, industries, or specific transactions.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Gazette (C2022G00715) detail the appointments of Mr Charles Francis Feeney and Mr Amit Dasgupta to the General Division of the Order of Australia. Specifically, Mr Feeney has been appointed as an Honorary Companion (AC), while Mr Dasgupta has been named an Honorary Member (AM). These appointments (sections 1 and 2) recognise their distinguished service to Australia, with Mr Feeney's contributions highlighted in philanthropy, particularly in health, research, and higher education sectors, and Mr Dasgupta's service to the Australia-India bilateral relationship. In terms of obligations and requirements, the Act does not impose any direct obligations on Mr Feeney or Mr Dasgupta beyond the recognition and responsibilities that come with their appointments. As Honorary Companions and Members, they are expected to uphold the values and standards associated with the Order of Australia, contributing positively to public life and the causes they have been recognised for. There are no offences, penalties, or specific civil/criminal consequences mentioned in the Gazette for breach of any obligations related to these appointments. The nature of the appointments is largely honorary and ceremonial, focusing on recognition rather than regulatory enforcement. The Gazette itself does not detail any penalties for non-compliance, as the primary focus is on acknowledging and celebrating the recipients' contributions to Australia.