Overview

The C2015G00438 Act, gazetted on 27 March 2015, recognises distinguished military service and the fostering of bilateral defence relations through honorary appointments within the Military Division of the Order of Australia. This enactment by the Governor-General underscores the significance of General Shigeru Iwasaki's contributions to strengthening defence ties between Australia and Japan. His roles as Chief of Staff, Joint Staff, and Chief of Staff, Japanese Air Self Defense Force, alongside his efforts in enhancing Australia’s defence engagement with Japan, have been pivotal in establishing operational cooperation precedents. These efforts have laid a robust foundation for future collaboration between the Australian Defence Force and the Japanese Self Defense Forces, contributing to regional stability and peace.

Scope and Application

The text provided pertains to an honorary appointment within the Military Division of the Order of Australia, specifically recognising General Shigeru Iwasaki of the Japanese Self Defense Forces for his distinguished service and contributions to strengthening Australia's defence engagement with Japan. The appointment, announced on 27 March 2015, is an honorary Officer (AO) in the Military Division of the Order of Australia. The recognition is made in the context of General Iwasaki's roles as Chief of Staff, Joint Staff, and Chief of Staff, Japanese Air Self Defense Force. The Governor-General, acting on behalf of the Queen, made this appointment, which is formalised by the signature of Mark Fraser, the Official Secretary to the Governor-General. This appointment is an acknowledgment of the substantial efforts General Iwasaki has made to foster closer military ties between Australia and Japan, thereby contributing to regional stability and peace.

Key Provisions

The main sections of the Gazette C2015G00438 announce an honorary appointment within the Military Division of the Order of Australia. Specifically, General Shigeru Iwasaki of the Japanese Self Defense Forces has been appointed as an Honorary Officer (AO) in recognition of his distinguished service as Chief of Staff of both the Joint Staff and the Japanese Air Self Defense Force, as well as his efforts to enhance defence engagement between Australia and Japan (Section 1). This appointment acknowledges General Iwasaki's significant contributions to fostering stronger ties and operational cooperation between the Australian Defence Force and the Japanese Self Defense Forces. The Act imposes several obligations and requirements on General Iwasaki as an Honorary Officer. While this appointment is largely honorary, it carries with it a sense of responsibility to uphold the values and principles of the Order of Australia. General Iwasaki is expected to contribute to the promotion and enhancement of defence relations between Australia and Japan, continuing his role in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation in the military sphere (Section 2). There are no explicit offences, penalties, or consequences outlined for breaches of the terms of this honorary appointment within the text of the Gazette. However, as an honorary appointment, any failure to meet the implied responsibilities associated with such an honour could potentially lead to the revocation of the title by the Governor-General. Such a revocation would be a significant sanction, reflecting the seriousness with which the honour is regarded (Section 3). Given the nature of the Order of Australia, any dishonourable conduct by an Honorary Officer could lead to broader reputational consequences, although these are not explicitly stated in the Gazette.