Honorary Appointment – May 2022

Overview

The Australian Honours System, as promulgated through the C2022G00359 Act enacted in 2022, serves to recognise and reward outstanding service and achievement by Australians and others who have made significant contributions to the nation. This Act was introduced to provide a formal and structured method for the Australian government to honour individuals who have made exceptional contributions in various fields, including military service, humanitarian efforts, and the arts, among others. The enacting body of this legislation is the Australian Parliament, with the overarching policy objective being to foster a culture of recognition and appreciation for individuals who have made significant contributions to the betterment of Australian society and its international relationships. The appointment of Admiral Yudo MARGONO as a Member (AM) in the Military Division is a testament to the effectiveness of this Act in acknowledging and celebrating those who have significantly bolstered Australia's ties with other nations.

Scope and Application

The C2022G00359 Act applies to the recognition and appointment of individuals in the Military Division, specifically targeting those who have provided exceptional service in enhancing bilateral relationships, as exemplified by the appointment of Admiral Yudo Margono from Indonesia. This appointment underscores the Act's focus on fostering stronger ties between the Royal Australian Navy and the Indonesian Navy. The geographic reach of the Act is primarily within the Commonwealth of Australia, as it pertains to the Australian honours system, which is a national recognition system. The Act does not explicitly state any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond the requirement for exceptional service in the context of military relations. The application of the Act is further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, which may provide additional criteria or procedural guidelines for appointments within the Military Division.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Gazette C2022G00359 concern the announcement of the appointment of Admiral Yudo Margono as a Member (AM) in the Military Division. This recognition is for his exceptional service in strengthening Australian and Indonesian ties through the promotion and enhancement of the bilateral relationship between the Royal Australian Navy and the Indonesian Navy. The appointment is made by the Governor-General and signifies a high level of respect and acknowledgment for Admiral Yudo Margono's contributions (Gazette C2022G00359). The Act imposes certain obligations and requirements on the parties involved. Admiral Yudo Margono, as a recipient of the AM in the Military Division, is expected to uphold the values and standards associated with this honour, including representing the military relationship between Australia and Indonesia positively and diplomatically. The Gazette announcement itself serves as a formal notification to the public of this prestigious appointment, ensuring transparency and official recognition of Admiral Yudo Margono's service (Gazette C2022G00359). In terms of consequences for breach, the Gazette announcement does not explicitly detail specific offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance related to this appointment. However, as a Member in the Military Division, Admiral Yudo Margono is expected to maintain the honour and integrity associated with this title. Any breach of the values or conduct expected from an AM could potentially lead to the revocation of the honour, which would be a significant consequence in itself, impacting his reputation and standing both in Australia and Indonesia (Gazette C2022G00359). There are no stated maximum penalties within the text of this Gazette, but the loss of such a prestigious title would be a substantial penalty.