Foreign awards

Australian citizens may accept and wear foreign awards, provided the award is listed on the Schedule of awards approved by the Governor-General.

Foreign awards

The Guidelines concerning the acceptance and wearing of foreign honours and awards by Australians - PDF 359 KB on the Governor-General's website, outline the rules and process around whether foreign awards are able to be formally accepted.

Under these guidelines, the Governor-General, on the advice of the Prime Minister or the Minister with portfolio responsibility, determines whether Australian citizens can accept and wear foreign awards. Awards that may be accepted and worn are listed in the Schedule of Approved Countries and Awards (the Schedule).

Proposals to add new awards to the Schedule may be submitted to the Australian Honours and Awards Secretariat in the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General with full details of the proposed award and recipient. Awards presented to Australian citizens without prior warning may be accepted to avoid giving offence. However, permission should be sought as soon as possible by a formal approach through the Australian Honours and Awards Secretariat.

For further information, please consult the Guidelines concerning the acceptance and wearing of foreign honours and awards by Australians - PDF 359 KB on the Governor-General's website.