Order of Australia

The Order of Australia is a national honours system established in 1975 to recognize Australians and others for outstanding achievement and service.

Companion of the Order of Australia: The highest general grade of the Order of Australia, recognizing eminent achievement and merit. This grade sits above the Officer and Member levels in the order’s hierarchy.
Order of Australia Association: An independent organization supporting members and promoting awareness of the Order of Australia. It connects recipients and supports public understanding of the honours system.
Queen Elizabeth II: Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 1952 until her death in 2022. She established the Order of Australia by royal warrant in 1975.
Victoria Cross for Australia: Australia’s highest award for conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy. It recognizes combat bravery, unlike the Order’s broad range of service and achievement.
Officer of the Order of Australia: A grade of the Order of Australia recognizing distinguished service or achievement. It is the second-highest general grade and a common form of national recognition.
Council for the Order of Australia: The body that considers nominations and advises the Governor-General on appointments to the Order. Its recommendations form the central assessment stage for nominations.
Royal warrant: A formal instrument issued by a monarch to establish or authorize an institution or privilege. The 1975 warrant created the Order and set out its original structure.
Australian of the Year Awards: An annual national recognition program honoring Australians for achievement and contribution. These awards are annual titles rather than appointments to a graded order.
Member of the Order of Australia: A grade of the Order of Australia recognizing service in a particular locality or field of activity. This grade recognizes significant contributions at community and professional levels.
Governor-General of Australia: The representative of the Australian monarch who performs constitutional and ceremonial duties in Australia. Appointments to the Order are formally made by the Governor-General.

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