The Order of Australia was instituted with both a General Division and a Military Division. The 2 divisions are distinguished by a different ribbon, with the Military Division ribbon edged in gold.
All classes of the order (Companion, Officer, Member and Medal of the Order) are available in both divisions. The eligibility criteria for the equivalent classes in the 2 divisions require similar levels of achievement, but those for the Military Division are designed to reflect military service.
An individual may hold awards in both divisions and is entitled to wear the insignia of both. Appointments in the General Division take precedence over the equivalent appointment in the Military Division.
Design
The insignia of the order is a single flower head of mimosa, in the form of a convex disc. This provides the basic design for the insignia of all grades and the medal of the order, including lapel pins. There is no distinction between the insignia of the General or Military Divisions.
The ribbon is royal blue with a central band of scattered gold mimosa. The ribbon of the Military Division is of the same design but edged with gold bands 1.5 millimetres wide. The ribbon colours reflect the national colours of Australia at the time the order was established.
Companions and Officers of the Order of Australia wear the award as a neck decoration, or equivalent, when full sized medals are being worn.
Persons appointed to the Order of Australia are entitled to the following post-nominal letters:
- Companion of the Order of Australia - AC
- Officer of the Order of Australia - AO
- Member of the Order of Australia - AM
- Medal of the Order of Australia - OAM.
(Mil) may be added to distinguish an appointment in the Military Division by those who also hold an appointment in General Division.