Order of Australia

Structure and grades

The Order is organised into a hierarchy of grades that reflect the level of contribution being recognised. Recipients are normally appointed in one of the following categories:

• Companion — for eminent achievement and merit of the highest degree;
• Officer — for distinguished service of a high degree;
• Member — for significant service in a particular area or to a group;
• Medal — for service worthy of particular recognition at a local or community level.

There are separate civil and military divisions, and appointments may be made on an honorary basis to non-citizens. Many recipients use post-nominal letters such as AC, AO, AM and OAM.

Administration and nomination

The Order is administered by the Office of the Governor‑General. Members of the public may submit nominations outlining a candidate's achievements and the impact of their service. A council established to advise on appointments considers nominations against published criteria and makes recommendations to the Governor‑General, who formally makes the appointments.

History and development

Created in the mid-1970s as part of a move to develop distinct Australian symbols and honours, the Order has evolved over time. Additional grades and styles have been introduced, removed and occasionally reinstated in response to public and political debate. The system reflects changes in how national recognition is conceived, while retaining ceremony and formal investiture practices.

Insignia, announcement and significance

Recipients receive insignia appropriate to their grade, which draw on Australian motifs and are worn at official events. Appointments are traditionally announced twice a year: on Australia Day and on the sovereign’s official birthday. The Order plays an important role in national life by highlighting leadership, innovation and community service, and by providing a visible way to honour those whose efforts benefit the nation and its people.

Notable features and distinctions

Key features of the Order include its public nomination process, the availability of honorary awards for non-citizens, and the use of both civil and military divisions. Debate over certain grades and the balance between recognition of high-profile figures and grassroots contributors has been a recurring theme, reflecting the broader challenge of national honours systems to be both inclusive and prestigious.