Overview

The Gazette C2018G00727, issued on 17 September 2018, announces the honorary appointment of Admiral Michael S. Rogers (Retd) as an Officer (AO) in the Military Division of the Order of Australia. This recognition is in honour of his distinguished service in fostering the military relationship between Australia and the United States, through exceptional leadership, passion, and strategic foresight. Additionally, the honour acknowledges his extraordinary contributions to enhancing the Australian Defence Force cyber capability. Admiral Rogers, through his roles as commander of United States Cyber Command and Director of the National Security Agency, has been instrumental in championing initiatives that have achieved unprecedented levels of interoperability between the two nations, thereby better preparing them to respond to cyberspace incidents. The appointment by the Governor-General reflects the enduring impact of his contributions to Australia's defence capabilities.

Scope and Application

The Gazette C2018G00727 recognises the distinguished service of Admiral Michael S Rogers (Retd) by appointing him as an Honorary Officer (AO) in the Military Division of the Order of Australia. This honorary appointment is in acknowledgment of his exceptional leadership and strategic foresight in fostering the military relationship between Australia and the United States, particularly in the realm of cyber capabilities. Admiral Rogers, through his roles as commander of the United States Cyber Command and Director of the National Security Agency, has facilitated initiatives that have significantly enhanced interoperability and preparedness in cyberspace for both nations. His contributions have been pivotal in advancing the Australian Defence Force's cyber capability, marking a long-lasting impact on defence relations between Australia and the United States.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of this legislation (C2018G00727) concern the announcement of an honorary appointment within the Military Division of the Order of Australia. This appointment is detailed in Section 1, which officially recognises Admiral Michael S Rogers (Retd) from Fort Meade, Maryland, United States of America, as an Honorary Officer (AO) in the Military Division of the Order of Australia. This recognition is due to his distinguished service in fostering the military relationship between Australia and the United States, as well as his significant contributions to enhancing the Australian Defence Force's cyber capabilities. Section 2 provides the formal citation for the appointment, detailing Admiral Rogers' exceptional leadership, passion, and strategic foresight. The Act imposes certain obligations and requirements on the parties involved, primarily focusing on the formal recognition and acknowledgment of Admiral Rogers' contributions. Section 3 outlines the responsibilities of the Governor-General and the Acting Official Secretary to the Governor-General, Paul Singer MVO, in making the official announcement and documenting the appointment. The Act also mandates that the appointment be published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, as seen in Section 4. Furthermore, it requires that the Order of Australia insignia be presented to Admiral Rogers in a formal ceremony, recognising his distinguished service. In terms of offences, penalties, or consequences for breach, the Act does not specify any civil or criminal penalties. The primary focus is on the formal recognition and the ceremonial aspects of the appointment. However, any deviation from the procedures outlined in the Act could potentially lead to administrative consequences, such as the need for a formal review or correction of the appointment process. The Act ensures that the honours are bestowed in a manner that reflects the high esteem in which Admiral Rogers is held, without detailing punitive measures for non-compliance.