History
The Order of Australia was instituted on 14 February 1975 by Queen Elizabeth II as an Australian society of honour for according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or meritorious service, ending the nation's reliance on the Imperial honours. The King is Sovereign Head of the Order and the Governor-General its Chancellor. Changes of 24 May 1976 added the Medal of the Order below Member and a Knight and Dame level above Companion, and renamed the Civil Division the General Division; the knighthoods were abolished in 1986, briefly restored in 2014 and closed again in 2015.
The Companion is the Order's highest level since the knighthoods closed, appointed for eminent achievement and merit of the highest degree in service to Australia or to humanity at large. Its ranks hold the nation's judges and scientists, artists and philanthropists, prime ministers and pioneers. Appointments are strictly limited by an annual quota under the Constitution of the Order, with honorary appointments of non-citizens made in addition to it, and are announced generally each January and June.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The insignia of the Order, designed by Stuart Devlin, is a single flower head of mimosa, Australia's golden wattle, rendered as a convex disc. At the centre a ring represents the sea, above the word AUSTRALIA and two branches of mimosa. The Companion's badge is gold, worn at the neck by men and on a bow at the shoulder by women, with a gold lapel pin set with a citrine centre for daily wear. The insignia is identical in both divisions.
The ribbon
Royal blue scattered with gold mimosa, the colours of the Order.
The ribbon is royal blue with a central band of scattered gold mimosa blossoms, the national colours of Australia at the time the Order was established.
Eligibility
Appointments are made by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Council for the Order of Australia, for eminent achievement and merit of the highest degree in service to Australia or to humanity at large.
- Anyone may nominate an Australian citizen; nominations are confidential, independently researched, supported by referees, and considered by the nineteen member Council, which recommends directly to the Governor-General;
- An annual quota applies to appointments as Companion, with honorary appointments of non-citizens made in addition to it;
- Recipients are entitled to the post-nominal AC, which the same person may hold alongside an appointment in the Military Division.
Order of wear
The Order's grades are worn among the orders of chivalry and decorations, interleaved with the Imperial awards of equivalent standing. A General Division appointment takes precedence over the equivalent appointment in the Military Division. The precise neighbours should be confirmed against the current Australian Order of Wear.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Companion of the Order of Australia awarded for?
Eminent achievement and merit of the highest degree in service to Australia or to humanity at large. It is the highest level of the Order since the Knight and Dame level closed.
How is someone appointed?
Anyone may nominate an Australian citizen. Nominations are researched independently and considered by the Council for the Order of Australia, which recommends appointments directly to the Governor-General, announced generally in January and June.
How many are appointed?
An annual quota applies under the Constitution of the Order, keeping the Companion deliberately rare. Honorary appointments of non-citizens are made in addition to the quota.
How is it worn?
As a neck badge by men and on a bow at the shoulder by women when full size medals are worn, with a citrine centred gold lapel pin for daily wear.
What is the difference from the Military Division?
The insignia is identical; the Military Division ribbon carries gold edges and its appointments, for eminent service in duties of great responsibility, are recommended by the Minister for Defence.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
Yes: AC.