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 Order was created with a Military Division beside the General, the two distinguished only by the gold edges of the Military ribbon. In the Military Division the Companion is appointed for eminent service in duties of great responsibility: in practice the level of the Chief of the Defence Force, the service chiefs and the most senior commanders, whose decisions shape the whole force. Appointments are recommended by the Minister for Defence and announced in the Australia Day and King's Birthday lists.
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
The Order's blue and gold mimosa, edged in gold for the Military Division.
The ribbon is royal blue with a central band of scattered gold mimosa blossoms, edged with gold bands 1.5 millimetres wide: the gold edges are the mark of the Military Division, the insignia itself being identical in both divisions.
Eligibility
Appointments in the Military Division are made by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Minister for Defence, for eminent service in duties of great responsibility.
- The criteria require the same level of achievement as the General Division, framed for military service;
- Appointments are announced in the honours lists each January and June;
- Recipients are entitled to the post-nominal AC. A person may hold appointments in both divisions and wear both, with the General Division appointment taking precedence.
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 in the Military Division awarded for?
Eminent service in duties of great responsibility: the Military Division counterpart of eminent achievement and merit of the highest degree, and in practice the appointment of the Defence Force's most senior commanders.
Who recommends the appointment?
The Minister for Defence, with appointments made by the Governor-General and announced in the Australia Day and King's Birthday honours lists.
How do I tell the divisions apart on a rack?
By the ribbon: the Military Division ribbon carries gold edges 1.5 millimetres wide, while the insignia itself is identical in both divisions.
Can a person hold appointments in both divisions?
Yes. An individual may hold awards in both divisions and is entitled to wear both insignia, with the General Division appointment taking precedence over the equivalent Military appointment.
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.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
Yes: AC.