Honorary Appointments - Military Division

Overview

The Australian Government Gazette C2022G00133, issued on 18 February 2022, announces the appointment of two individuals to honorary positions within the Military Division. These appointments, made by the Governor-General, recognise the significant contributions made by Lieutenant General Melvyn Ong Su Kiat from Singapore and Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto from Indonesia to enhancing the defence relationships between Australia and their respective countries. The Gazette serves to formalise these honours, reflecting the policy objective of acknowledging and reinforcing the collaborative ties between Australia and its key allies in the Asia-Pacific region.

Scope and Application

This Gazette document, C2022G00133, pertains to the announcement of honorary appointments in the Military Division by the Governor-General, effective from the date of publication. The appointments are granted to recognise distinguished service and dedication towards enhancing defence relationships between Australia and other nations, specifically Lieutenant General Melvyn Ong Su Kiat from Singapore and Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto from Indonesia. These appointments, denoted by the title "Honorary Officer (AO) in the Military Division," highlight the Australian government's acknowledgment of significant contributions made by these individuals in fostering stronger defence ties. The appointments are made under the authority of the Governor-General and are a formal recognition of the bilateral defence efforts between the countries involved.

Key Provisions

The Gazette C2022G00133, dated 18 February 2022, announces the appointments of two individuals to honorary positions within the Military Division of the Australian Defence Force. Specifically, Lieutenant General Melvyn ONG SU KIAT from Singapore and Air Chief Marshal Hadi TJAHJANTO from Indonesia have been appointed as Honorary Officers (AO) in the Military Division (section 1). This recognition is in acknowledgment of their distinguished service and significant contributions to enhancing the defence relationships between Australia and their respective countries. These appointments entail certain obligations and responsibilities for the appointees. As Honorary Officers, both Lieutenant General Melvyn ONG SU KIAT and Air Chief Marshal Hadi TJAHJANTO are expected to undertake ceremonial duties, participate in military events, and represent the Australian Defence Force in various official capacities. Their roles are primarily honourific, but they also involve fostering goodwill and strengthening ties between the Australian Defence Force and the defence forces of Singapore and Indonesia. There are no specific offences, penalties, or consequences outlined in this Gazette for failing to comply with the obligations of these honorary appointments. However, breach of the responsibilities associated with such appointments could potentially lead to the revocation of the honorary titles and a loss of the privileges associated with these roles. Although not explicitly stated, such actions might also result in diplomatic repercussions between Australia and the countries of the appointees. In summary, the Gazette C2022G00133 recognises the contributions of Lieutenant General Melvyn ONG SU KIAT and Air Chief Marshal Hadi TJAHJANTO by appointing them as Honorary Officers in the Military Division of the Australian Defence Force. These appointments come with ceremonial duties and responsibilities that foster international defence relationships. While the Gazette does not specify penalties for non-compliance, breaches could lead to the loss of these prestigious titles and possible diplomatic fallout.