Australian honours and awards system
The Australian honours and awards system refers to all orders, decorations, and medals, as instituted by letters patent from the Monarch of Australia and countersigned by the Australian prime minister at the time, that have been progressively introduced since 14 February 1975. The Australian honours and awards system excludes all state and local government, and private, issued awards and medals.
Image: Order of Merit Dorothy Hodgkin (cropped)
Image: Baronet UK cropped
Image: St Michaeland St George Insignia
Image: Ster Orde van het Britse Rijk
The monarchy of Australia is a key component of Australia's form of government, embodied by the Australian sovereign and head of state. The Australian monarchy is a constitutional one, modelled on the Westminster system of parliamentary government, while incorporating features unique to the constitution of Australia.
Monarchy of Australia
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George of Cambridge at a reception hosted by Governor-General Peter Cosgrove at Admiralty House, Sydney, 2014
Queen Elizabeth II and Governor-General Michael Jeffery at Buckingham Palace
Kevin Rudd being sworn in by Governor-General Quentin Bryce as Prime Minister of Australia on 27 June 2013