Overview

The Gazette C2015G00801, dated 27 May 2015, announces several honorary appointments and awards within the General and Military Divisions of the Order of Australia. The appointments and awards recognise individuals for their distinguished services in various areas including law, defence engagement, promotion of bilateral relations, and cultural promotion. These awards are bestowed by the Governor-General, acting on behalf of the Parliament of Australia, and serve to acknowledge and celebrate significant contributions made by these individuals to Australia and its relations with other nations. The policy objective behind these honorary appointments is to recognise and honour those who have made exceptional contributions in their respective fields, thereby encouraging continued excellence and dedication to public service.

Scope and Application

The Commonwealth of Australia has issued a gazette detailing honorary appointments and awards within the Order of Australia, recognising individuals for their distinguished service to various fields. The recipients include Professor Horst LÜCKE, awarded for his contributions to legal education and research; Admiral Samuel Jones LOCKLEAR III, recognised for his role in enhancing defence engagement between Australia and the United States; Mr Eric Karl FEDERING, acknowledged for promoting bilateral relations and leadership development; Dr Margo SMITH, celebrated for her efforts in advancing Australian Indigenous art and culture; Mrs Inger RICE, honoured for her work in fostering early childhood relationships through the Inger Rice Foundation; and Mr George Edmund MORGAN, awarded for his community service through the establishment of Community Christian Radio. These appointments reflect the breadth of contributions recognised by the Australian government, extending to both domestic and international realms.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislation (C2015G00801) detail the announcement of honorary appointments and awards within the General and Military Division of the Order of Australia. Section 1 lists the recipients and their respective honours, including Officer (AO) and Member (AM) in the General Division, as well as an Officer in the Military Division. The appointments recognise distinguished service in various areas, such as legal education and research, defence engagement, promotion of bilateral relations, and community service. These appointments come with certain obligations and requirements. Recipients of these honours are expected to uphold the standards and values associated with their respective titles. They may be required to participate in ceremonial duties and events that promote the objectives and ideals of the Order of Australia. Additionally, recipients are encouraged to continue contributing to the fields for which they were recognised, thereby enhancing the reputation of the Order. Breach of the obligations associated with these honours can lead to civil or criminal consequences. Although specific penalties are not outlined in this legislation, dishonouring the title or engaging in activities that bring discredit to the Order of Australia could potentially result in the revocation of the honour. The seriousness of the offence and the subsequent consequences would be determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the nature of the breach and any applicable laws or regulations. It is important to note that while this legislation focuses on the announcement of honorary appointments and awards, the overarching legal framework governing the Order of Australia and its honours is found in other legislation, such as the Orders, Decorations and Medals Act 1986. The penalties and consequences for dishonouring these honours are therefore to be found within that broader legislative context.