Overview

The Commonwealth of Australia established the Order of Australia in 1976 to recognise Australian citizens and other persons who have made meritorious contributions to the nation. The Order is awarded through various divisions, including the General Division, which recognises Australians who have provided exemplary service in any field of human endeavour. The 2016 Gazette announcement, C2016G01025, highlights the awarding of an Honorary Medal (OAM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia to Mr Bernard Delattre, the Mayor of Pozières, France. This award acknowledges his significant service in fostering Australian-French relations, particularly through his dedication to commemorating the sacrifices of Australians during World War I at Pozières. The policy objective behind the Order of Australia is to honour and recognise individuals who have made substantial contributions to the nation and its people, thereby fostering a sense of national pride and unity.

Scope and Application

The announcement of Mr Bernard Delattre being awarded an Honorary Medal (OAM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia recognises his significant contributions to fostering Australian-French relations. Specifically, his role as Mayor of Pozières, France, has been pivotal in commemorating the thousands of Australians who lost their lives in and around Pozières during World War 1. His dedication to facilitating remembrance activities and collaborating with the Australian government on commemorative projects, such as the Australian Remembrance Trail in Pozières, underscores the importance of these efforts in maintaining and strengthening the historical and cultural ties between Australia and France. The award not only honours Mr Delattre’s personal efforts but also highlights the broader significance of Pozières in Australian history and collective memory.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the legislation (C2016G01025) pertain to the granting of an honorary award within the General Division of the Order of Australia, specifically an Honorary Medal (OAM), to Mr Bernard Delattre, the Mayor of Pozières, France. This award is bestowed in recognition of his service to Australian-French relations, particularly his dedication to commemorating the Australians who died in and around Pozières during World War 1. The gazetted announcement specifies the award (section 1) and provides details of Mr Delattre's contributions (section 2), emphasising his role in facilitating remembrance activities and fostering bilateral relations. The Act imposes certain obligations on the parties it governs, particularly in relation to the award. Mr Delattre, as the recipient, is recognised for his significant contributions to commemorating the sacrifices of Australians in World War 1. His role as Mayor of Pozières entails the responsibility of maintaining and enhancing the relationship between Australia and France, particularly through remembrance activities. This includes hosting Australian dignitaries, working with the Australian Government on commemorative projects, and supporting initiatives such as the Australian Remembrance Trail. The legislation does not explicitly detail offences, penalties, or consequences for breach. However, accepting an honorary award from the Australian government typically involves certain expectations of conduct and honour. Breaches of these expectations could lead to formal processes for the revocation of the award, as per the general rules governing the Order of Australia. Although the specific penalties are not stated in this gazetted announcement, they would generally align with the broader principles governing the Order of Australia, which may include public acknowledgment of misconduct and the formal process for revoking the award.