What is the Order of Australia?
The Order of Australia is the main national honor recognizing Australians for outstanding achievement or service. It was established in 1975 to replace British honors, and appointments are announced twice a year.
The order has several levels. The highest are Companion of the Order of Australia, known as AC, and Officer of the Order of Australia, known as AO. Below them are Member, known as AM, and the Medal of the Order of Australia, known as OAM.
Recipients are announced on Australia Day, 26 January, and on the King's Birthday holiday in June. People can be nominated by members of the public.
Knights and dames
Between 1976 and 1986, and again between 2014 and 2015, the order included knights and dames. The awards were controversial, especially when Prime Minister Tony Abbott recommended a knighthood for Prince Philip in 2015. Knighthoods were removed again later that year.
The Council for the Order of Australia considers nominations and makes recommendations to the Governor-General, who approves the awards.
Recipients can use letters after their names, such as AC or OAM. The order recognizes people from many fields, including science, sport, the arts, medicine and community service.