The
Order of Australia are honors "for the purpose of according recognition to
Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or for meritorious service". The four levels are Order of Australia Companion, Order of Australia Officer, Order of Australia Member, and the Order of Australia Medal. They were established on
February 14,
1975, when
Queen Elizabeth signed the Letters Patent instituting the Order of Australia. Before this date Australian citizens received British honors.
- Companion for eminent achievement and merit of the highest degree in service to Australia or to humanity at large (AC)
- Officer for distinguished service of a high degree to Australia or to humanity at large (AO)
- Member for service in a particular locality or field of activity or to a particular group (AM)
- Medal for service worthy of particular recognition (OAM)
All four Order of Australia insignia are convex golden disks representing the wattle flower surrounding a central sea. They were designed by Stuart Devlin - a metalsmith who also designed the Australian currency.
There are no posthumous awards in the Order. Medals are awarded on Australia Day.