Overview

The C2013G00492 Gazette, dated 15 March 2013, announces the termination of the appointment of Mr Clinton Edward Condon as a Member of the Order of Australia in the General Division. This action was taken by the Governor-General, with the Official Secretary to the Governor-General and Secretary of the Order of Australia, Stephen Brady CVO, overseeing the process. The decision was made under the authority of the Governor-General, who acts on behalf of the Queen in the administration of the Order of Australia. This particular gazette serves to notify the public of the revocation, providing transparency and formalising the change in Mr Condon’s status within the Order of Australia. The policy objective behind such notifications is to maintain the integrity and prestige of the Order by ensuring it recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to Australia.

Scope and Application

The Order of Australia Act 1975 governs the appointment of individuals to the Order of Australia, an honour system established to recognise Australian citizens and other persons for outstanding achievement and meritorious service. This Act applies to individuals who are proposed for appointment into the Order of Australia, which includes recognition at various levels such as Companion, Officer, Member, and Medal. The Act applies nationally across Australia, with the appointments being made by the Governor-General on the advice of the Government following consultation with relevant advisory councils. The Act does not specify particular exclusions or exemptions but rather focuses on the criteria for appointment, which includes notable service to Australia or humanity at a distinguished level. The Governor-General retains the authority to revoke appointments under the Act, as evidenced by the recent termination of Mr. Clinton Edward Condon’s appointment. The application of the Act can also be extended through subordinate instruments, such as regulations or orders, which may provide further details on the appointment and revocation processes.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislation pertain to the termination of a specific appointment made under the Order of Australia. Specifically, section 1 of the Order of Australia Gazette, C2013G00492, notifies the public of the termination of the appointment of Mr. Clinton Edward Condon as a Member of the Order of Australia in the General Division. This action is taken by the Governor-General, as stated in section 3 of the Gazette, which outlines the formal process for terminating such appointments. The Gazette, issued on 15 March 2013, serves to inform the public and relevant parties of this official change, ensuring transparency and accountability in the administration of the Order of Australia. The Act imposes clear obligations on the Governor-General, as the authority responsible for the administration and oversight of the Order of Australia. Section 3 of the Gazette requires the Governor-General to follow a formal process when terminating an appointment, ensuring that such actions are documented and communicated effectively. This includes the signing of the official notification by the Governor-General’s command and the endorsement by the Official Secretary to the Governor-General and Secretary of the Order of Australia, Stephen Brady CVO. These obligations ensure that the process of terminating an appointment is both transparent and legally sound. In terms of legal consequences, the Gazette does not explicitly outline specific offences or penalties for breaching the provisions of the Order of Australia. However, the termination of an appointment, as communicated in the Gazette, is a formal and binding action. Breaches or challenges to such decisions would typically be subject to judicial review or other legal remedies available under Australian administrative law. The Gazette serves as an authoritative record of the decision, and any subsequent actions or claims related to the termination of an appointment would need to be grounded in legal principles and precedents. The lack of explicit penalties in this Gazette suggests that the primary focus is on the formal notification and procedural correctness rather than punitive measures.