Government House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
18 July 2017
The Governor-General is pleased to announce the following honorary appointment within the General Division of the Order of Australia:
ORDER OF AUSTRALIA
Honorary Companion (AC) in the General Division
The Right Honourable Sir John Phillip KEY GNZM
New Zealand
For eminent service to Australia-New Zealand relations.
By His Excellency’s Command
Paul Singer MVO
Acting Official Secretary to the Governor-General
APPOINTED AN HONORARY COMPANION (AC)
IN THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA
The Right Honourable Sir John Phillip KEY GNZM, New Zealand
For eminent service to Australia-New Zealand relations.
As Prime Minister of New Zealand from November 2008 to December 2016, Sir John Key raised the trans-Tasman relationship to new heights of cooperation and mutual confidence.
During his term, Sir John helped catalyse significant economic growth across the Tasman, increasing two-way trade, and was instrumental in reinvigorating the agenda of the Single Economic Market to further liberalise the trans-Tasman economy, with benefits for both Australian and New Zealand businesses and consumers.
Sir John promoted close collaboration with Australia in the region and globally. In 2016 his government announced a significant upgrade of New Zealand’s defence and intelligence capabilities, contributing to regional and global stability.
Under his government, Australia and New Zealand collaborated on a number of international issues, including the continuation of support to the government of Afghanistan and joint training of Iraqi security forces to counter ISIL.
He has been an outstanding proponent of regional trade liberalisation initiatives and an active supporter of close collaboration with Australia in our relations with Pacific Island countries.
Sir John has been an exemplary champion of the bilateral relationship between Australia and New Zealand, facilitating an even closer relationship between our two countries and furthering economic, people to people, and defence ties.
Overview
The Governor-General's announcement on 18 July 2017, published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, acknowledges the honorary appointment of The Right Honourable Sir John Phillip Key as a Companion (AC) in the General Division of the Order of Australia. This recognition reflects his eminent service to Australia-New Zealand relations, particularly during his tenure as Prime Minister of New Zealand from November 2008 to December 2016. Sir John Key's contributions significantly advanced trans-Tasman cooperation, leading to notable economic growth, increased two-way trade, and the reinvigoration of the Single Economic Market. His efforts have fostered deeper economic, people-to-people, and defence ties between Australia and New Zealand, making him an exemplary champion of bilateral relations. This honorary appointment by the Governor-General underscores the importance of his contributions to regional and global stability.
Scope and Application
The legislation C2017G00815 pertains to an honorary appointment within the General Division of the Order of Australia, specifically the appointment of The Right Honourable Sir John Phillip Key as an Honorary Companion (AC). This recognition is granted for his eminent service to Australia-New Zealand relations during his tenure as Prime Minister of New Zealand from November 2008 to December 2016. The scope of the Act applies to the individual, Sir John Phillip Key, acknowledging his contributions to fostering stronger ties and cooperation between Australia and New Zealand. This honorary appointment is a Commonwealth matter, reflecting the federal government’s role in recognising distinguished service that enhances national interests and international relationships. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds in this particular legislation; it is a specific recognition of Sir John Key's service. The application of such honours is not typically extended or restricted through subordinate instruments but is rather a formal acknowledgment by the Commonwealth government.
Key Provisions
The Gazette C2017G00815, issued on 18 July 2017, announces the honorary appointment of The Right Honourable Sir John Phillip Key GNZM to the Order of Australia. Specifically, he is appointed as an Honorary Companion (AC) in the General Division of the Order of Australia (section 1). This appointment is in recognition of his eminent service to Australia-New Zealand relations. Sir John Key served as Prime Minister of New Zealand from November 2008 to December 2016, during which he significantly enhanced the trans-Tasman relationship, fostering greater cooperation, mutual confidence, and economic growth. His efforts included increasing two-way trade, promoting the Single Economic Market, and collaborating with Australia on regional and global issues.
The appointment imposes no direct obligations or requirements on Sir John Key, but it recognises and honours his contributions to strengthening Australia-New Zealand relations. The honour is a symbol of the esteem in which he is held for his efforts in advancing bilateral ties. This recognition also serves to encourage and inspire continued strong relationships between the two nations. The Order of Australia, as a whole, is designed to acknowledge Australians and others who have made an outstanding contribution to the nation.
There are no specific offences, penalties, or consequences associated with the acceptance or rejection of this honorary appointment. The Order of Australia is a purely honorary recognition, and acceptance of such an honour does not impose any legal obligations or consequences for non-compliance. Honorary appointments are bestowed to celebrate and honour significant contributions, and they do not carry any formal legal responsibilities. The recognition itself is a testament to the individual's service and achievements.