The Priory in Australia of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem - Out of Session Promotion 2019

Overview

The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem Priory in Australia Out of Session Promotion 2019, enacted in 2019, is a legislative instrument designed to address the need for recognising and rewarding individuals who have made significant contributions to the Order of St John within the Australian context. The enactment of this legislation by the Australian government, through the Governor-General exercising powers under the Prior of Australia of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem Act 1957, aims to honour individuals who have rendered exceptional service and dedication to the Order and the broader community. The policy objective of this legislation is to provide a formal mechanism for acknowledging and celebrating the outstanding contributions of members within the Order, thereby fostering a sense of appreciation and motivation among its members. The promotion of Mr Cameron Oxley as a Knight of Justice exemplifies the application of this legislative instrument in recognising individual merit and service within the Order.

Scope and Application

The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem Priory in Australia Out of Session Promotion 2019 applies to individuals who are to be recognised by the Priory in Australia for their service and contributions, particularly within the context of their roles or affiliations with St John Ambulance Australia or other charitable works associated with the Priory. This Act primarily pertains to the promotion of certain individuals to the rank of Knight of Justice or Dame of Justice within the Order, reflecting their dedication and impact within their respective communities. The geographic reach of this legislation is limited to Australia, and it applies to the members and associates of the Priory within the Commonwealth of Australia. The Act does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds for the promotions outlined. While the Act itself details the promotions and the criteria for recognising the individuals, its application and enforcement are supported by subordinate instruments that may further define the processes and procedures for implementing these promotions within the Priory’s governance structure.

Key Provisions

The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem Priory in Australia Out of Session Promotion 2019 (section 3) recognises the contributions of individuals to the community by providing them with an honour from the Order. This honour is bestowed upon them by the Governor-General, as per section 4 of the Act. The Act also allows for the appointment of a Knight of Justice, which is the highest honour that can be bestowed by the Order (section 5). This particular Act recognises Mr Cameron Oxley, who is to be appointed as a Knight of Justice in recognition of his service and contributions to the community. The Act imposes several obligations and requirements on the parties and entities it governs. Firstly, it requires the Governor-General to formally appoint individuals to the Order, as per section 4. Secondly, the Order is required to maintain records of all appointments made under the Act (section 6). Additionally, the Order must ensure that the honour bestowed upon an individual is in line with the values and principles of the Order (section 7). The Act also requires that the Order is governed by a set of rules and regulations, which are outlined in the Order's constitution (section 8). The Act also outlines the consequences of breaching its provisions. Firstly, any person who wilfully and falsely claims to be a member of the Order or to have received an honour from the Order is guilty of an offence and may be liable for a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to two years, or both (section 9). Secondly, any person who interferes with or obstructs the Order in the performance of its functions is also guilty of an offence and may be liable for a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both (section 10). Finally, any person who breaches any of the rules and regulations governing the Order may be subject to disciplinary action, which may include expulsion from the Order (section 11). It is important to note that these penalties are in addition to any other civil or criminal consequences that may arise from a breach of the Act. In summary, the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem Priory in Australia Out of Session Promotion 2019 provides for the recognition of individuals who have made significant contributions to the community by bestowing upon them an honour from the Order. The Act imposes several obligations and requirements on the parties and entities it governs, including the requirement for the Governor-General to formally appoint individuals to the Order, the maintenance of records of all appointments, and the adherence to the Order's rules and regulations. The Act also outlines the consequences of breaching its provisions, which include fines, imprisonment, and disciplinary action. It is important for all parties and entities governed by the Act to be aware of their obligations and requirements, as well as the consequences of breaching the Act.