Overview

The Order of Australia Act 1975, enacted to establish a system of awards to recognise outstanding service to Australia and to human endeavour, provides the legal framework for the Order of Australia, including the General Division. This Act addresses the need for a national honours system that reflects contemporary Australian values and achievements, replacing the previous system based on British honours. The Act was passed by the Parliament of Australia and its primary policy objective is to honour Australians who have made meritorious contributions in various fields such as community service, science, and the arts. The Act facilitates the recognition of distinguished Australians and promotes national unity by celebrating the achievements of individuals across the country.

Scope and Application

The Gazetted instrument concerning the acceptance of Mr Daniel Bell's resignation from the Order of Australia in the General Division outlines the administrative action taken in response to Mr Bell's resignation, effective from 13 June 2013. The Order of Australia is a prestigious honour awarded by the Australian Government to individuals who have made meritorious achievement or service. The instrument serves to notify the public of Mr Bell's resignation and the formal cessation of his award of the Medal of the Order of Australia. This formal notification is issued by the Acting Official Secretary to the Governor-General and Secretary of the Order of Australia, Mark Fraser OAM, acting on behalf of the Administrator of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia. The act of gazette notification ensures transparency and maintains the integrity of the honours system in Australia.

Key Provisions

The Order of Australia is a prestigious honour in Australia, and the Gazetted notification (C2013G01045) outlines the formal acceptance of a resignation from the Order. Specifically, section (1) of the Gazette records that the Administrator of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia has accepted the resignation of Mr Daniel Bell as a member of the Order of Australia in the General Division. The resignation took effect from 13 June 2013. This notification serves to officially inform the public and other relevant parties of Mr Bell’s relinquishment of his membership in the Order. The acceptance of Mr Bell’s resignation means he will no longer hold the award of the Medal of the Order of Australia. This formal process underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity and honour of the Order. The Gazette, as the official government publication, ensures transparency and public awareness regarding changes in the membership of the Order of Australia. The Acting Official Secretary to the Governor-General and Secretary of the Order of Australia, Mark Fraser OAM, signs off on this notification, adding authority and authenticity to the announcement. The Act imposes specific obligations on the parties involved, particularly the Administrator of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia, who must formally accept and record resignations from the Order of Australia. This ensures that all changes in membership are properly documented and communicated. Additionally, it places a responsibility on the Secretary of the Order of Australia, Mark Fraser OAM, to sign and issue the official notification. This process ensures that the public is informed of any changes in membership, maintaining transparency and accountability within the Order. There are no direct offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences outlined for the acceptance of a resignation from the Order of Australia within this particular Gazette notification. The primary focus of the document is to provide official notification and update the status of Mr Bell’s membership. However, it is important to note that any misuse of the honour or breach of the conditions under which it was awarded could potentially lead to further legal actions or penalties as stipulated by other relevant legislation. This Gazette notification serves as a formal record and communication tool rather than a punitive measure.