FAQ’s
(updated July 2026)
What is the Order of Australia?
The Order of Australia is the Australian society of honour established for the purpose of according recognition to Australian citizens and others for achievement or meritorious service. It replaced the British Honours System for Australians.
When was it established?
On 14 February 1975, Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Second, Queen of Australia established the Order of Australia. This was a result of consultations with the Australian Government and Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. His Majesty King Charles III is Sovereign of the Order.
Who can be nominated and how?
Anyone in Australia can be nominated for an Award. (People who are not Australian citizens may be awarded Honorary Awards in all levels.)
Any Australian citizen regardless of profession or political persuasion can nominate someone for an award in the Order of Australia. Nomination is done online, through the online portal: Welcome · Australian Honours and Awards Portal. Those who may need help with this process, should telephone (02) 6283 3604 during business hours (AEST/AEDT).
Who selects the Awardees?
The Council for the Order of Australia
The Council is an independent body responsible for considering nominations and making recommendations to the Governor General for appointments and awards in the General Division of the Order of Australia. It operates without direct political influence from the Government. The Council has 19 members including ex-officio office bearers, members from the community appointed by the Governor General, and the States and Territories appoint one each.
How many Awards are made each year?
The number varies but cannot exceed the quotas shown below:
| Award | Annual Quota | Total Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) | 35 annually | 682 awarded |
| Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) | 140 annually | 3,725 awarded |
| Member of the Order of Australia (AM) | 605 annually | 13,673 awarded |
| Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) | no limit | 32,191 awarded |
(Honorary Awards at all levels are not included in these quotas.)
What is the Order of Australia Association – OAA?
The Association is an incorporated body of recipients of awards and appointments in the Order of Australia.
What does OAA do?
The Association’s mission statement is “to celebrate and promote outstanding Australian citizenship”.
Who can join the OAA?
Membership of the Association is restricted to Order of Australia Honours and Awards recipients.
What does membership bring?
The opportunity to join fellow recipients and guests to:
- contribute to fulfilling the OAA’s mission “to celebrate and promote Australian citizenship” through community actions, scholarship support and active collaboration with other members
- mix socially with fellow members to hear stimulating speakers at Branch and Regional Group functions
- network with members from other States and Territories at the Annual National Conference
- receive THE ORDER, the quarterly national magazine
- participate in and give further service to the community through Branch projects
- develop future leaders in the community by contributing to higher education scholarships and awards
- attend functions welcoming new Award recipients
- receive up to date information on events and happenings through National and Branch newsletters
If I don’t have an Award or am not a member, why is it relevant to me?
If you do not have an Award then reading the above may cause you to consider nominating someone you know whose actions have caused you to think “he should get a medal”!! It is in your hands, you now know what to do.
If you do have an Award then the information above may stimulate your interest in joining the OAA. Think about it.