Defending Honour
The Order of Australia
There’s been a lot written on social media and elsewhere this past week after Honours and Awards associated with the Order of Australia were announced on Sunday 26 January.
One individual was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia and because of some controversial views expressed by that individual Twitter and other platforms went into a frenzy. I’m not going to pile on and comment, plenty of others have done that.
It’s not uncommon for a controversial figure to be appointed a Member (AM), Officer (AO), Companion (AC), and even a Knight (AK) of the Order of Australia or to be awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM).
This time however, there were calls for the individual to be removed from the Order. In addition there was calls to scrap the entire Honours and Awards system. I get it when people object because they see the system as a form of class distinction, but the Order has in its ranks Australians from all backgrounds. I shan’t comment on the proportionality of appointments.
I think there is a place in Australia for the Honours and Awards system and I guess I’m influenced because I’m a member.
Appointees to the Order receive a lapel pin to wear.