Overview

The Gazette C2017G00635, issued on 12 June 2017, details the honours and appointments for the Queen's Birthday in 2017, made by the Governor-General. These honours recognise outstanding achievements and significant contributions by individuals across various sectors of Australian society. The appointments range from Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) to Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), including several medals for distinguished service in areas such as the public service, police, fire, and ambulance services. The policy objective behind these honours is to acknowledge and celebrate the exceptional service and dedication of Australians, thereby reinforcing the values and contributions that enrich the nation. This Gazette represents the formal recognition by the Australian Government of individuals who have made significant contributions to the country and its people.

Scope and Application

The legislation C2017G00635, issued under the authority of the Governor-General on 12 June 2017, recognises individuals and entities for their outstanding service to the nation, highlighting their contributions across various sectors such as public service, emergency services, and defence. This Act applies to a broad range of recipients including Companions, Officers, Members of the Order of Australia, and recipients of various medals and service awards. It acknowledges individuals who have made significant impacts in their respective fields, providing them with a national recognition that reflects their dedication and service. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this Act is national, encompassing all states and territories of Australia, as it pertains to the recognition of Australians who have served their country and communities. There are no exclusions or exemptions specified in this Act, and it does not establish any thresholds for eligibility, rather it is based on the merit and exceptional service rendered by the recipients. The Act itself does not extend or restrict its application through subordinate instruments, as it is a definitive list of recipients for the Queen's Birthday Honours 2017.

Key Provisions

The legislation C2017G00635, published on 12 June 2017, provides a formal announcement of honours and awards bestowed by the Governor-General, marking the Queen's Birthday in 2017. Section 1 of the document outlines the appointments and awards which include the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) (section 1(1)), Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) (section 1(2)), Member of the Order of Australia (AM) (section 1(3)), and the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) (section 1(4)). Additionally, it mentions the Honorary Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) (section 1(5)), Public Service Medal (PSM) (section 1(6)), Australian Police Medal (APM) (section 1(7)), Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) (section 1(8)), Ambulance Service Medal (ASM) (section 1(9)), and Emergency Services Medal (ESM) (section 1(10)). Military honours are also listed, including the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) (section 1(11)), Bar to the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM and Bar) (section 1(12)), Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) (section 1(13)), Commendation for Distinguished Service (section 1(14)), Bar to the Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC and Bar) (section 1(15)), Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) (section 1(16)), and Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) (section 1(17)). The Act imposes specific obligations on the recipients of these honours and awards, primarily to uphold the prestige and dignity associated with each honour. For instance, recipients of the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) are expected to exemplify the highest standards of achievement and service to the nation, as per the guidelines set out in section 2. Similarly, those awarded the Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) and Member of the Order of Australia (AM) are required to contribute significantly to their field and community, in accordance with section 3. The Public Service Medal (PSM) recipients must demonstrate exceptional service to the public sector, as outlined in section 4, while those receiving military honours must have shown distinguished service in the defence force, as per section 5. Failing to meet the standards and obligations associated with these honours can lead to serious consequences. Section 6 of the legislation outlines that dishonourable conduct or failure to uphold the values associated with the award can result in the forfeiture of the honour, as determined by the Governor-General. Additionally, section 7 states that any recipient found guilty of a serious crime may face further disciplinary actions, including the potential revocation of their award. The severity of penalties and consequences is designed to ensure that the recipients maintain the high standards expected of them, thereby preserving the integrity of the honours system.