Order of Australia
| Order of Australia | |
|---|---|
Insignia of knights and dames of the Order of Australia | |
| Awarded by the governor-general of Australia | |
| Type | National order |
| Awarded for | Achievement and merit in service to Australia or humanity |
| Founder | Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia on the advice of Gough Whitlam |
| Sovereign Head | Charles III, King of Australia |
| Chancellor and Principal Companion | Samantha Mostyn, Governor-General |
| Grades |
|
| Former grades | Knight/Dame (AK/AD) |
| Website | Official website and nomination portal |
| Statistics | |
| First induction | 14 April 1975 |
| Total inductees | Total as of July 2024
|
| Ribbons: general division; military division | |
_BAR.svg){kind=link}
_BAR.svg){kind=link}
The Order of Australia is an Australian honour that recognises Australian citizens and other persons for outstanding achievement and service. It was established on 14 February 1975 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, on the advice of then prime minister Gough Whitlam. Before the establishment of the order, Australians could receive British honours, which continued to be issued in parallel until 1992.
Appointments to the order are made by the governor-general, "with the approval of The Sovereign", according to recommendations made by the Council for the Order of Australia. Members of the government are not involved in the recommendation of appointments, other than for military and honorary awards.
The King of Australia is the sovereign head of the order, and the governor-general is the principal companion and chancellor of the order. The governor-general's official secretary, Gerard Martin (appointed 1 July 2024), is secretary of the order.