Australian honours system

Search Australian honours

To find out more information about recipients of Australian honours, search the Australian honours database. There are options to perform a simple search based on name, announcement, medal/award type, or an advanced search which searches all the database fields in any combination.

Search the Australian honours database

Australian honours system

Australia’s honours system began in 1975 with the creation of the Order of Australia, the Australian Bravery Decorations and the National Medal.

Like nearly every other country in the world, Australia has a system of honours and awards so its citizens can be recognised for excellence, achievement or meritorious service and contributions to our society.

Australian honours are unique in that they were designed for the community to make nominations. The Australian honours system is free of patronage or political influence. Anyone can nominate an Australian citizen for an honour.

Honours help define, encourage and reinforce national aspirations, ideals and standards by identifying role models. We give honours to recognise, celebrate and say thank you to those who make a difference, those who achieve their best and those who serve others.

The awards in the Australian honours system are administered by various organisations. You can learn more about the history of our awards system in our honours timeline.