Australian Honours and Awards

Part of the Awards topic

In short

The Australian Honours and Awards system recognises the outstanding service and contributions of Australians. Recipients come from across the country and all walks of life. While some are well-known, the majority are unsung heroes and everyday Australians making a positive difference through their remarkable contributions.

How to make a nomination

Any Australian can make a nomination using the Australian Honours and Awards Portal.

Nominations are assessed by the Honours and Awards Secretariat and considered by the Council of the Order of Australia before recommendations are made to the Governor-General.

Support for Queensland nominations

If you need more information to progress a Queensland nomination for Honours and Awards listed on this page, please contact the Department of the Premier and Cabinet by:

phone: 07 3003 9200
email: honours@premiers.qld.gov.au

The Order of Australia

The Order of Australia recognises Australians who have demonstrated outstanding service or exceptional achievement. The Order of Australia includes a Military Division. Awards in this division are recommended to the Governor-General by the Minister for Defence.

Australian Bravery Decorations

The Australian Bravery Decorations recognise acts of bravery where people selflessly put themselves in jeopardy to protect the lives or property of others.

There are 4 levels of bravery awards to recognise the actions of individuals, as well as an award (established in 1990) to recognise acts of bravery by a group of people involved in a single incident.

Meritorious Service Awards

Meritorious Service Awards recognise outstanding and distinguished service by public servants, members of an Australian police force, fire, ambulance, corrections, intelligence or emergency service, or in support of outstanding work with an Australian Antarctic expedition.

The Governor-General makes these awards on the recommendation of the responsible Minister. Awards are announced twice a year on Australia Day and the King's Birthday weekend in June.

Public Service Medal

The Public Service Medal recognises public service employees, including those of the Australian Government and state, territory and local governments, who've provided outstanding public service.

Committees meet twice a year to consider nominations for the Australia Day and King's Birthday Honours Lists.

How to make a Queensland nomination

Queensland nominations for the Public Service Medal for consideration in the King's Birthday 2026 Honours List are closed. Nominations for the Australia Day 2027 Honours List are also now closed (as of 1 June 2026).

Before making a nomination, read the:

You can nominate via the Queensland Public Service Medal Nomination Form (DOCX, 7.9MB).