Governor-General of Australia
The governor-general of Australia is the representative of the monarch, currently King Charles III, in Australia.Australian Orders, Decorations and Medals in the ''
Commonwealth of Australia Gazette
The ''Commonwealth of Australia Gazette'' is a printed publication of the Commonwealth Government of Australia, and serves as the official medium by which decisions of the executive arm of government, as distinct from legislature and judiciary, ...
''. The ''Order of Wearing Australian Honours and Awards'' was last published in 2007, and replaced the previous list published in 2002.
Prior to 2002, the lists were named the ''Australian Order of Precedence of Honours and Awards''. With the cessation in 2013 of the gazettal of lists of recipients of Australia Day and Queen’s Birthday Honours, it is not yet known if future issues of the ''Order of Wearing Australian Honours and Awards'' will be gazetted.
Order of Wearing
Order of wearing decorations and awards within the
Australian honours system
The Australian honours and awards system refers to all Order (distinction), orders, decorations, and medals, as instituted by letters patent from the Monarchy of Australia, Monarch of Australia and countersigned by the Australian prime minister a ...
."The Order of Wearing Australian Honours and Awards" , updated 25 September 2007. (Includes official post-nominals.) ''It's an Honour''
Honours and Awards listed are:
* those within the Australian System of Honours and Awards;
* those conferred by The Sovereign in exercise of the
royal prerogative
The royal prerogative is a body of customary authority, privilege and immunity, recognized in common law and, sometimes, in civil law jurisdictions possessing a monarchy, as belonging to the sovereign and which have become widely vested in th ...
;
* those within the Order of St John; and
* foreign awards, the acceptance and wearing of which have been authorised by the Governor-General.
Note that awards of the British Empire/United Kingdom are now considered foreign (if awarded after 5 October 1992), and should be worn accordingly.''"- all Imperial awards made to Australian citizens after 5 October 1992 are foreign awards and should be worn accordingly."' ''Order of Wearing'' , updated 25 September 2007. page 1. (Generally, foreign awards are worn ''after'' Australian awards, and postnominals of foreign awards are not recognised.)
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Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest and most prestigious award of the British honours system. It is awarded for valour "in the presence of the enemy" to members of the British Armed Forces and may be awarded posthumously. It was previously ...
/
Victoria Cross for Australia
The Victoria Cross for Australia is the highest award in the Australian honours system, superseding the British Victoria Cross for issue to Australians. The Victoria Cross for Australia is the "decoration for according recognition to persons w ...
''"Refers to both the
Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest and most prestigious award of the British honours system. It is awarded for valour "in the presence of the enemy" to members of the British Armed Forces and may be awarded posthumously. It was previously ...
and the
Victoria Cross for Australia
The Victoria Cross for Australia is the highest award in the Australian honours system, superseding the British Victoria Cross for issue to Australians. The Victoria Cross for Australia is the "decoration for according recognition to persons w ...
Companion of the Order of Australia
The Order of Australia is an 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 the Australian Gove ...
Officer of the Order of Australia
The Order of Australia is an 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 the Australian Gove ...
(General Division) AO (Military Division)
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Commander of the Royal Victorian Order
The Royal Victorian Order (french: Ordre royal de Victoria) is a dynastic order of knighthood established in 1896 by Queen Victoria. It recognises distinguished personal service to the British monarch, Monarchy of Canada, Canadian monarch, Mon ...
Distinguished Service Cross The Distinguished Service Cross (D.S.C.) is a military decoration for courage. Different versions exist for different countries.
*Distinguished Service Cross (Australia)
The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) is a military decoration awarded to ...
DSC
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Member of the Order of Australia
The Order of Australia is an 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 the Australian Gove ...
(General Division) AM (Military Division)
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Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order
The Royal Victorian Order (french: Ordre royal de Victoria) is a dynastic order of knighthood established in 1896 by Queen Victoria. It recognises distinguished personal service to the British monarch, Canadian monarch, Australian monarch, o ...
LVO
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Member of the Royal Victorian Order
The Royal Victorian Order (french: Ordre royal de Victoria) is a dynastic order of knighthood established in 1896 by Queen Victoria. It recognises distinguished personal service to the British monarch, Canadian monarch, Australian monarch, o ...
Nursing Service Cross
The Nursing Service Cross (NSC) is a conspicuous service decoration of the Australian honours and awards system, instituted by Letters patent, Letters Patent on 18 October 1989.
The Nursing Service Cross is awarded to medics (Enrolled Nurse, e ...
NSC
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Medal for Gallantry
The Medal for Gallantry (MG) is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the Australian Defence Force. It recognises acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances. The MG was introduced on 15 January 1991, replacing the Imperial e ...
Distinguished Service Medal Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) is a high award of a nation.
Examples include:
*Distinguished Service Medal (Australia) (established 1991), awarded to personnel of the Australian Defence Force for distinguished leadership in action
* Distinguishe ...
Australian Police Medal
The Australian Police Medal (APM) is awarded for distinguished service by a member of an Australian police force.
The APM was introduced in 1986, and replaced the Imperial Queen's Police Medal for Gallantry and Queen's Police Medal for Distingu ...
APM
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Australian Fire Service Medal
The Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) is awarded for distinguished service by a member of an Australian fire service.
The AFSM was introduced in 1988, and replaced the Imperial awards of the Queen's Fire Service Medal for Gallantry and the Que ...
AFSM
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Ambulance Service Medal
The Ambulance Service Medal (ASM) is awarded for distinguished service by a member of an Australian ambulance service. The ASM was introduced in 1999.
Awards are made by the Governor-General, on the nomination of the responsible minister in each ...
Medal of the Order of Australia
The Order of Australia is an 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 the Australian Gove ...
(General Division) OAM (Military Division)
# Order of St Johna) Listed to indicate where any awards within the Order of St John should be worn; however, the Service Medal of the Order of St John should be worn as a Long Service Medal after all other Imperial Long Service awards. b) "Post-nominals within the Order of St John are not recognised." (As notified in the Governor-General's media release of 14 August 1982. ''Order of Wearing'' , Page 5, Note 3.
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Conspicuous Service Medal
The Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the Australian Defence Force, and officers and instructors of the Australian Defence Force Cadets. It is awarded for meritorious achievement or dedication to d ...
Royal Victorian Medal
The Royal Victorian Medal (RVM) is a decoration established by Queen Victoria in April 1896. On 14 May 1912, King George V further confirmed the institution of the medal with an additional royal warrant. A part of the Royal Victorian Order, it ...
RVM
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Commendation for Gallantry
The Commendation for Gallantry is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the Australian Defence Force, it recognises acts of gallantry in action considered worthy of recognition. The award was introduced on 15 January 1991, replacing the I ...
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Commendation for Brave Conduct
The Commendation for Brave Conduct is a bravery decoration awarded to Australians. It is awarded for an act of bravery that is worthy of recognition. The Commendation for Brave Conduct was created in February 1975. The decorations recognise acts ...
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Commendation for Distinguished Service
The Commendation for Distinguished Service is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the Australian Defence Force, it is awarded for the distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations. The Commendation for Distinguished Service w ...
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Australia Service Medal 1939-45
Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. With an area of , Australia is the largest country by ...
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Australian Active Service Medal 1945–1975
The Australian Active Service Medal 1945–1975 recognises the service of Australian Defence Force and certain other persons in prescribed warlike operations in the period after World War II, and prior to February 1975. The medal was establishe ...
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Vietnam Medal
__NOTOC__
The Vietnam Medal was a joint Australian and New Zealand campaign medal awarded for service in the Vietnam War
The Vietnam War (also known by other names) was a conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to th ...
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Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal
The Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal was issued to recognise the service of Australian support personnel during the Vietnam War.
Qualification requirements
The qualifying criteria for the medal include:
* Service of one day or more as a member ...
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Australian Active Service Medal
The Australian Active Service Medal (AASM) is an Australian military decoration. It was authorised on 13 September 1988 to recognise prescribed service in "warlike" operations, backdated to February 1975. It is awarded with a clasp to denote ...
Australian Service Medal 1945–1975
The Australian Service Medal 1945–1975 recognises service in peacekeeping or non-warlike operations in the 30-year period following World War II, and prior to February 1975. The medal was established on 22 February 1995. The Australian Se ...
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Australian General Service Medal for Korea
The Australian General Service Medal for Korea (AGSMK) recognises former defence force personnel who completed 30 days of service in operations in South Korea, including any location seaward from the coast of South Korea, during the post-Armist ...
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Australian Service Medal
The Australian Service Medal is an Australian military decoration. It was authorised 13 September 1988 to recognise prescribed service in peacekeeping and non-warlike operations. It is awarded with a clasp to denote the prescribed operation and ...
Rhodesia Medal
The Rhodesia Medal was initiated by the British Government in consultation with Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Kenya, whose forces took part in Operation AGILA ( Operation MIDFORD for the New Zealand forces). The role of the multi-national forc ...
Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal
The Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal is an award in the Australian honours system. The award is presented to those who perform Humanitarian aid, humanitarian service in a foreign country, in particular those working in dangerous environments ...
Civilian Service Medal 1939–1945
The Civilian Service Medal 1939–1945 is awarded to civilians in Australia during World War II who served in arduous circumstances in support of the war effort as part of organisations with military-like arrangements and conditions of service. ...
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National Police Service Medal
The National Police Service Medal (NPSM) is a special service award within the Australian honours system to provide "recognition for the unique contribution and significant commitment of those persons who have given ethical and diligent service a ...
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King Edward VII Coronation Medal
The King Edward VII Coronation Medal was a commemorative medal issued in 1902 to celebrate the coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra.
Issue
The medal was awarded in silver and bronze. It was issued in silver to members of the Royal fa ...
(1902)
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King George V Coronation Medal
The King George V Coronation Medal was a commemorative medal instituted in 1911 to celebrate the coronation of King George V, that took place on 22 June 1911.
Award
It was the first British Royal commemorative medal to be awarded to people who w ...
King George VI Coronation Medal
The King George VI Coronation Medal was a commemorative medal, instituted to celebrate the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.
Issue
This medal was awarded as a personal souvenir of King George VI's coronation. It was awarded to t ...
Australian Sports Medal
The Australian Sports Medal is an award given to recognise achievements in Australian sport to commemorate Australian participation in major sporting events. Original recipients of the award included competitors, coaches, sports scientists, offi ...
Defence Force Service Medal
__NOTOC__
The Defence Force Service Medal (DFSM) is an Australian Military award given for long service by permanent members of the Australian Defence Force. It is part of the suite of defence force service awards introduced in 1982, which also ...
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Reserve Force Decoration
The Reserve Force Decoration (postnominal RFD) is an Australian Military award given for long service by officers of the Reserve Forces. It is part of the suite of defence force service awards introduced in 1982, which also included the Defence ...
Australian Defence Medal
The Australian Defence Medal is an Australian military decoration which recognises current and former Australian Defence Force personnel who completed an initial enlistment period, or four years' service. It was established on 20 March 2006; how ...
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Australian Cadet Forces Service Medal
The Australian Cadet Forces Service Medal is awarded to recognise long and efficient service by officers and instructors in the Australian Defence Force Cadets. It is awarded for 15 years service. Additional clasps are issued for every 5 years ad ...
Service Medal of the Order of St John
The Service Medal of the Order of St John is awarded to recognise both conspicuous and long service with the Venerable Order of St John, particularly in St John Ambulance, both in the United Kingdom and in a number of other Commonwealth countri ...
Anniversary of National Service 1951–1972 Medal
The Anniversary of National Service 1951–1972 Medal is a commemorative medal awarded to Australians for their service in post-war national service schemes.
There is no post-nominal for this medal.
Description
* The Anniversary of National Se ...
#Foreign Awards (in order of date of authorisation of their acceptance and wearing).
Citations
The following citations are not positioned according to the list above. For members of the uniformed services, they are worn according to respective Service dress rules. For civilians, they are worn centrally above any other honours or awards:
*
Unit Citation for Gallantry
The Unit Citation for Gallantry is a collective group decoration awarded to members of Australian military units. It recognises extraordinary gallantry in action. The Unit Citation for Gallantry was created in 1991, along with the Meritorious Uni ...
*
Meritorious Unit Citation
The Meritorious Unit Citation is a collective group decoration awarded to members of Australian military units. It recognises sustained outstanding service in warlike operations. The Meritorious Unit Citation was created in 1991, along with the ...
*
Group Bravery Citation
The Group Bravery Citation is a bravery decoration awarded to Australians. It is awarded for a collective act of bravery by a group of people in extraordinary circumstances that is considered worthy of recognition. The Group Bravery Citation was ...
Foreign awards
Approved foreign awards are published by the Governor-General and may be found on th Schedule of Approved Countries and Awards
The following are international and foreign honours commonly awarded to Australians for various reasons.
For foreign awards commonly awarded to Australians for campaign and peacekeeping service please refer to the list on
Australian Campaign Medals
Australian campaign medals are listed in order of precedence as defined in references below. Those campaign medals which have been independently issued by Australia to its armed forces are in bold.
Second Boer War
* Queen's South Africa Me ...
.
See also
*
Orders, decorations, and medals of Australia
The Australian honours and awards system refers to all Order (distinction), orders, decorations, and medals, as instituted by letters patent from the Monarchy of Australia, Monarch of Australia and countersigned by the Australian prime minister a ...
*
Post-nominal letters
Post-nominal letters, also called post-nominal initials, post-nominal titles, designatory letters or simply post-nominals, are letters placed after a person's name to indicate that the individual holds a position, academic degree, accreditation, ...
*
List of post-nominal letters (Australia)
This is a list of post-nominal letters (letters after people's names) that have been nominated by orders from government, and letters from professional associations in Australia.
General conventions
In general, postnominals are arranged in th ...
*
Australian Commendations and Citations
Australian Commendations are awards of recognition which all Department of Defence personnel are eligible; including both Defence Members and the Australian Public Service (APS). The Scheme provides a means to formally recognise outstanding/except ...
Notes
References
External links
It's an Honour – Australian government website ''Wearing Awards'' – Australian government It's an Honour website €“ Australian Defence Force website
The Defence Honours and Awards Manual (DHAM)
** Chapter 4 of the manual includes a link to the "current" (2007 Order of Wearing but more usefully:
* Annex A contains: ''A modified order of wearing that is designed to make the order of wearing Defence awards more easily understood'' ... ''The modified version provides a complete list of all awards by incorporating those campaign and other medals that are included separately in annexes to the original schedule.''
{{Australian Honours Lists
Honours Order of Wearing+