Q1. How do I nominate someone for the Order of Australia?
A1. You can download a nomination form from this site. You can also get a nomination form from Government House, Canberra on 02 6283 3604 or from your local Federal Member's office.
Q2.Can an award in the Order of Australia be awarded posthumously?
A2. A person must be alive at the time of their nomination. If their nomination is successful, and they pass away before receiving the award, their next-of-kin is entitled to receive the award on behalf of the deceased.
Q3.When I search the Australian Honours listing on the website, I cannot find the person I am looking for?
A3. To publish information through the search facility on the website, we must first have permission from the awardee. If they have declined to have this information published, we cannot promote this entry via the website.
Q4. I have lost or broken my lapel pin. Can this be replaced?
A4. To obtain replacement medals and pins for the Order of Australia, Australian Bravery Decorations or other civil awards please contact Government House, Canberra on 02 6283 3604.
Q5. How do I check the process of a nomination for the Order of Australia?
A5. All nominations for the Order of Australia are researched by the Honours Secretariat in Canberra. To check the process of nominations, call Government House, Canberra on 02 6283 3604.
Q6. I have more than one medal. What is the protocol for wearing them?
A6. There is an Order of Wearing Australian Honours and Awards. Please look at this section of the website for more information.
Q7. What do the letters after person's name mean?
A7. These letters are called post-nominals. Not all Australian Honours entitle the awardee to use a post-nominal. For more information see the post-nominals section of this website.
Q8 I am responsible for raising and lowering the Australian Flag. What is the protocol and how am I kept informed?
A8. Information on flag protocol is available on this website. You can also join the Commonwealth Flag Network, which will update you on half-masting and other flag issues.
Q9. How do I enquire about Defence related medals?
A9. Information on Defence Medals can be obtained from the Department of Defence through the Defence Directorate for Honours and Awards. Phone 1800 111 321 for assistance.
Or visit the department’s website http://www.defence.gov.au/medals/
Q10. How do I organise an anniversary message?
A10. An information form is available via our website in the Anniversary Message section. For more information please contact 02 6271 5620.
For a nomination form for the Australian of the Year Awards please go to the website at www.australianoftheyear.gov.au.
Q12. When are the Order of Australia and Australian Bravery Decorations announced?
A12. Order of Australia recipients are announced on Australia Day and the Queen's Birthday of each year. The Australian Bravery Decorations are announced in February-April and August of each year. A calendar of events is available.
Q13. What happens if the person I want to nominate is not an Australian citizen?
A13.People who are not Australian citizens can also be recognised by awards in the Order of Australia. These awards are processed by the Honours, Symbols and Territories Branch of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the government recommends awards to the Governor-General. These are honorary awards but the same post-nominals are used and insignia is presented.
Q14.How do I wear my state awards?
A14.State awards are worn on the right breast because only national awards in the Order of Wearing Australian Honours and Awards are worn on the left breast.