Download Annual Report 2011-2012 - Governor-General of the ...

Report on performanceKey resultsThe Australian Honours and Awards Branchmanaged a large volume of nominations andassociated processing in 2011–12 and providedhigh level support to the Governor-General inadministering the numerous awards and decorationswithin the Australian honours system. The Branchimplemented the new NPSM and assisted withthe establishment of the NEM Committeewhich determined the criteria for the NEM,also implemented in 2011–12.Nominations, awards andInvestituresThe total number of nominations researched and/or prepared by the Branch for consideration by theGovernor-General in 2011–12 was 11,977.This included 1,679 nominations submitted to theCouncil for the Order of Australia. The Councilfor the Order of Australia met twice in 2011–12to consider nominations, with its September 2011meeting being the 75th since 1975. Ninety per centof Order of Australia nominations were processedand presented to Council meetings within18 months of receipt in the Branch.On the recommendation of the Minister forDefence, the Governor-General approved51 appointments and awards in the MilitaryDivision of the Order of Australia.In 2011–12, the Branch researched 323 nominationsfor bravery awards for the Australian BraveryDecorations Council, which met twice duringthe year. Ninety-seven per cent of researchednominations were presented to the AustralianBravery Decorations Council within six months.The majority of nominations were for incidentsinvolving rescues or attempted rescues fromwater or fire.The Governor-General approved 602 awardsto recognise excellence in specified occupations,including police, emergency services, and defencepersonnel on operations around the worldto protect Australia and its national interests.Additionally, she approved an initial tranche of138 NEMs and 1,720 NPSMs.The Governor-General approved 7,448 NationalMedals, which recognise 15 years or moreof diligent and efficient service in uniformedoccupations involving elements of personal risk inorder to protect the community. These awards areadministered by the Branch and approved by theGovernor-General, but they are conferred internallyby the relevant organisations. Ninety-seven percent of long service and occupational awards wereprocessed within two months of receipt.Sixteen non-Australian citizens were recognisedby honorary awards in the Order of Australiaduring 2011–2012. The Constitution of the OrderThe Governor-General joins members of the Order of Australia Council to celebrate the Council’s 75th meeting on 7 September 2011Annual Report 2011–201243