Government House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
6 December 2016
The Governor-General is pleased to announce the following honorary appointments within the General Division of the Order of Australia:
ORDER OF AUSTRALIA
Honorary Officer (AO) in the General Division
Professor Maria Bӧhmer,
Federal Foreign Office, Werderscher Markt 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
For distinguished service to strengthening the Australia-Germany bilateral relationship.
Honorary Member (AM) in the General Division
Mrs Aurora Elvira Williams,
Amunategui 232, 17 Floor, Santiago, Chile
For significant service to Australia-Chile relations, particularly with regard to the mining sector.
By His Excellency’s Command
Mark Fraser LVO OAM
Official Secretary to the Governor-General
APPOINTED AN HONORARY OFFICER (AO)
IN THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA
Professor Maria Bӧhmer
Federal Foreign Office, Werderscher Markt 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
For distinguished service to strengthening the Australia-Germany bilateral relationship.
Professor Maria Bӧhmer has made an outstanding contribution to enhancing bilateral relations between Australia and Germany as co- chair of the Australia-Germany Advisory Group, and as Minister of State in the German Federal Foreign Office.
Professor Bӧhmer has significantly strengthened the breadth and depth of the relationship and has shown unwavering dedication to improved collaboration between both countries. Her leadership has culminated in a new-era of cooperation between Australia and Germany in trade, investment, science, education, culture and sport.
As a result of Professor Bӧhmer's commitment, enthusiasm and vision, the Advisory Group's work has already produced tangible benefits, including the signing of a double taxation agreement between Australia and Germany, and enhanced strategic engagement, with new annual meetings between Australian and German Foreign and Defence Ministers.
Professor Bӧhmer has played a major role in championing a growing, strong and sustainable relationship between Australia and Germany.
The award is also an affirmation of the importance of Australia's relationship with Germany, and of our shared values and global interests.
Contact: Business hours +49 30 1817 2926
APPOINTED AN HONORARY MEMBER (AM)
IN THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA
Mrs Aurora Elvira Williams
Amunategui 232, 17th Floor, Santiago, Chile
For significant service to Australia-Chile relations, particularly with regard to the mining sector.
Ms Aurora Williams has been a strong supporter of Australia-Chile relations in her capacity as Chile's Minister of Mining since 2014. Mining is an important part of both countries' economies and Ms Williams has helped to foster a relationship of strong cooperation between the two countries.
Ms Williams has promoted Australia as a world leader in mining practices and encouraged Chile to emulate Australia's success through her support of economic forums, trade fairs and scientific research. She has suppo1ted technology transfer and human capital development for both countries and has been an advocate for the participation of women in the mining sector and corporate social responsibility.
Ms Williams has provided support for Australian companies and was a key advocate for the inaugural Australia-Chile Economic Leadership Forum held in Santiago in December 2014.
The award is also an affirmation of the impo1tance that Australia places on its bilateral relationship with Chile, including the mutual benefit that flows from our growing trade and investment relationship.
Contact: Business Hours +56 2247333017