This book comprehensively covers all of Australia's current national honours and awards which have been established since the new Australian honours system began in 1975. It describes the evolution of honours and awards going back to ancient times and shows how Australia's present system has been largely derived from British awards which have previously been the sole source of Australian honours.
The development of each of the new awards is traced and the insignia and components of each award is described in considerable depth together with the conditions for which the award is made. Details of numbers of awards made and interesting information on the recipients of some awards is also highlighted. There are numerous photographs showing each of the current awards and some of their predecessors.
There is information on a variety of related matters such as the correct manner of wearing awards and investitures. The component elements of insignia are explained and the current official Order of Precedence of honours and awards is also included. Essential reading for those interested in the development of Australia's own honours system which now comprehensively covers all circumstances, both military and civil, for which honours should be awarded.
