The High Court (5 members including the Chief Justice) dismisses with costs an application that would require the Governor-General’s Office to release documents about Order of Australia nominations (see News Updates of 16 August 2013 and 25 May 2012). The Office used its exemption under the FOI Act to refuse release by claiming the information sought was not “administrative” in nature. “Administrative” matters were defined by the Court to be concerned with the management and administration of resources or relating to the provision of logistical support. Details about how Order of Australia nominations are considered will remain secret. The Honours Secretariat, which administers the Order of Australia and bravery awards, was established as part of the Governor-General’s office at Government House in Canberra when the Australian honours system was introduced in 1975. The Governor-General is the Chancellor of the Order of Australia.
Woman for an Australian Republic, Adelaide Ironside, republican poet and artist 1831-1867
Self portrait 1855, Newcastle Art Gallery NSW
