Order of Australia

national order of chivalry of the Commonwealth of Australia

The Order of Australia was created by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia on 14 February 1975. It was created to show the very best people of Australia. The award is given to notable Australian citizens who make big changes to Australia or internationally with their work. Sometimes the award is given to people who are not citizens of Australia.

Order of Australia
Insignia of a Knight/Dame of the Order of Australia
Awarded by the Monarch of Australia
Type National Order
Day Australia Day and Queen's Birthday
Eligibility All living Australian citizens
Awarded for Achievement and merit in service to Australia or humanity
Status Currently constituted
Sovereign Queen Elizabeth II
Chancellor General Sir Peter Cosgrove
Grades (w/ post-nominals)
  • Knight/Dame (AK/AD)
  • Companion (AC)
  • Officer (AO)
  • Member (AM)
  • Medal (OAM)

  • Awarded in:
  •   General Division
  •   Military Division
  •   As an Honorary award
Statistics
Established 14 February 1975
First induction 14 April 1975
Last induction 7 September 2017
Total inductees
  • AK – 15
  • AD – 4
  • AC – 512
  • AO – 2,815
  • AM – 9,799
  • OAM – 22,611

The Order has many groups. The awarded person will join one of these groups:

  • Knight or Dame (AK or AD)
  • Companion (AC)
  • Officer (AO)
  • Member (AM)
  • Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)