Orders, decorations, and medals of Australia
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| Orders, decorations, and medals of Australia | |
|---|---|
| Name | Australian honours and awards |
| Caption | Examples of Australian orders, decorations and medals |
| Established | 1975 (Australian Honours System) |
| Country | Australia |
Orders, decorations, and medals of Australia describe the formal system of honours used to recognize achievements and service in Australia, including civil, military, and commemorative awards administered by the Monarchy of Australia and Australian institutions. The modern Australian honours framework was established in 1975 and integrates elements connected to the Order of Australia, wartime decorations inherited from the United Kingdom, and campaign medals tied to conflicts such as the Second World War and Vietnam War. Recipients include people from public life such as Sir John Monash, Dame Joan Sutherland, and service members linked to events like the Kokoda Track campaign and the Battle of Long Tan.
History
The evolution of Australian awards traces from colonial-era recognition by the British honours system, including decorations conferred by the Order of the Bath, Order of St Michael and St George, and the Distinguished Service Order, to the establishment of indigenous awards like the Order of Australia under the auspices of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam and Governor-General Sir John Kerr. Key milestones include the 1975 introduction of the Order of Australia, the 1991 creation of the Australian Crime Commission-linked medals, and reforms influenced by inquiries such as those involving Australian War Memorial and debates after the Anzac Day centenary. Historical links include connections to the Gallipoli Campaign, the Western Front, and postwar deployments to Korea, Malaya, and Iraq.
Order of Precedence
Australia maintains a formal order determining wear and precedence influenced by the Order of Wear (United Kingdom) and adjusted by the Governor-General of Australia. The precedence ranks senior national honours such as the Companion of the Order of Australia above grade awards like the Officer of the Order of Australia and decorations such as the Victoria Cross for Australia, which supersedes the George Cross. Military gallantry awards including the Distinguished Service Cross (Australia), Conspicuous Service Cross, and the Medal for Gallantry are placed relative to civil honours and campaign medals like the Australian Active Service Medal and commemorative distinctions such as the Centenary Medal.
Australian Honours System (Civilian)
The civilian arm pivots on the Order of Australia with grades: Companion of the Order of Australia, Officer of the Order of Australia, Member of the Order of Australia, and Medal of the Order of Australia; these recognise contributions ranging from arts figures like Patrick White and Nellie Melba to scientists associated with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and cultural leaders at institutions like the National Gallery of Australia. Civilian bravery awards include the Bravery Medal and Commendation for Brave Conduct, connected to events such as the Ash Wednesday bushfires and responses by organisations like the Australian Red Cross and Queensland Ambulance Service. Merits in public administration intersect with honours given to alumni of the Australian National University and ministers from portfolios such as Foreign Affairs.
Military Decorations and Medals
Military honours include the Victoria Cross for Australia, Medal for Gallantry, Distinguished Service Cross (Australia), and campaign-specific awards like the Iraq Medal and Afghanistan Medal, awarded to personnel from units such as the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army, and Royal Australian Air Force. Gallantry awards commemorate actions in engagements like the Battle of Hamel and peacekeeping operations under the United Nations in places like East Timor and Sierra Leone. Historic British-era awards retained by early 20th-century Australians include the Military Cross and Distinguished Conduct Medal as seen among veterans of the Second Boer War and World War I.
Meritorious and Service Awards
Meritorious decorations comprise the Public Service Medal, Australian Police Medal, Australian Fire Service Medal, Australian Corrections Medal, and Ambulance Service Medal, often presented to personnel from agencies including the Australian Federal Police, New South Wales Police Force, and Country Fire Authority. Long service awards include the National Medal and state-level recognitions issued to members of the Volunteer Marine Rescue and State Emergency Service. Professional honours intersect with awards for science and scholarship such as the Order of Australia appointments given to academics from institutions like the University of Melbourne and University of Sydney.
Commemorative and Campaign Medals
Commemorative medals include the Centenary Medal, Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal 1977, and service clasps acknowledging participation in campaigns like the Korean War, Malayan Emergency, and Gulf War. Campaign medals such as the Australian Service Medal, Australian Active Service Medal, and theatre-specific distinctions like the Pacific Star or Italian Campaign Medal link recipients to formations like the Anzac Corps and events including the Battle of Bardia. National commemorations such as the Centenary of Federation and anniversaries of the Anzac Day influence issuance of medals to contributors from groups including Returned and Services League of Australia and heritage organisations.
Administration and Nomination Process
Administration of honours is overseen by the Governor-General of Australia acting on advice from the Prime Minister of Australia and recommendations from bodies such as the Council for the Order of Australia and the Australian Honours Secretariat. Nominations are submitted by members of the public, community organisations like the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, and professional bodies such as the Australian Medical Association, and are assessed against criteria influenced by statutes including the Letters Patent establishing the Order of Australia. Investitures are held at venues like Government House, Canberra and involve representatives of the Monarch of Australia or the Governor-General, with records maintained by institutions including the National Archives of Australia and the Australian War Memorial.