Why Do Political Party Power Brokers Receive an Order of Australia?
Brian Loughnane is married to Peta Credlin former adviser to Tony Abbott. Tony Abbott is of concern in my opinion given the way Julia Gillard was treated as Prime Minister, then his comments regarding the current Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. What I found most concerning with him was his continual referencing to ‘terrorism’ it appeared he was seeking to generate great fear rather than de-escalate tensions. I wondered about who his supporters were and the agenda he is projecting. Ethics and bullying have been key concerns in the media.
This couple above were insiders. I read through the article below and didn’t see one word about what is has actually done that made a significant contribution to Australia. I note that he receives this whilst the Liberal Party is in power. I wonder about Tony Abbott’s re-emergence as positioning to be Prime Minister again. I ask why is this not specifically for the community rather than those with political influence? Is this appropriate? I accept a former politician like Malcolm Fraser given his many years with Care Australia should receive such an Order and a Human Rights Medal. His was an achievement as he really came full circle from a person hated given the Whitlam dismissal to a statesman who was speaking up and challenging those in power. He demonstrated humanity. I think an Order of this nature should be about demonstrated humanity, kindness, giving and leadership whilst being challenged or even unpopular. It is to have the courage to stand for what is believed in my view. I don’t think power should be a pre-requisite. It should go to the quiet achievers no-one knows about who are extraordinary. They would reflect the true Australian identity of friendship, fairness, fun and never giving up. That would be my viewpoint.
A thought that went through my mind was – how is the Order of Australia selected?
How did it come about:
The Order of Australia was established on 14 February 1975 by letters patent of Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, and countersigned by Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. The original order had three levels: Companion (AC), Officer (AO) and Member (AM) as well as two divisions: Civil Division and Military Division.
Who are the members?
Council for the Order of Australia
The Honourable Shane Stone AC QC, Chair
Community Representatives
Dr Philip Bacon AM
Ms Elizabeth Broderick AO
Professor Mathew Vadas AO
Mr Bernard Wright AO
Ms Tracey Hayes
Ms Gabrielle Trainor AO
n=6
State and Territory Governments Representatives
Mr Michael Miller RFD (New South Wales)
Mr Jeremi Moule (Victoria)
Ms Filly Morgan (Queensland)
Mr Rik Morris (South Australia)
Mr Robert Kennedy (Western Australia)
Mr Greg Johannes (Tasmania)
Ms Kathy Leigh (Australian Capital Territory)
Ms Angela Boland (Northern Territory)
n=8
Ex-officio Representatives
Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin AC (Chief of the Defence Force)
Ms Stephanie Foster PSM (Deputy Secretary, Governance Group, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Senator the Honourable Mathias Cormann (Vice-President of the Federal Executive Council)
n=3
Number government (inclusive of military) n=11/18
There is a high proportion of government in this. I would like to see the balance tip towards people who do not have status but have ethics.
As of March 2018
You may want to note the criteria:
- demonstrated achievement at a high level
- made a contribution over and above what might be reasonably expected through paid employment,or
- whose voluntary contribution to the community stands out from others who have also made a valuable contribution.
How do you determine a contribution above paid employment. Mothers are doing this raising children, what of those roles we take for granted. What of the dedication to people against the odds. Those community people who start initiatives that serve others who show courage. It should not be people who are self seeking and doing it to be seen to be. It is about true humility driven by altruistic motivation.
My understanding is that he is well paid and doing his job strategically. He appears a power broker, I wonder who else is?
JANUARY 26 2018
Former Liberal party president Brian Loughnane made an AO
Even though Brian Loughnane never sat in the House of Representatives or the Senate, he’s had a marked influence on Australian politics in the past 20 years. Loughnane, who was federal director of the Liberal party from 2003 to 2016, has been recognised in the Australia Day honours as an officer of the Order of Australia.
He’s had the ear of the most powerful people in Australian politics and it’s these names that come up when he remembers the most memorable parts of his career.
“I was very privileged to work closely with John Howard, Peter Costello, Brendan Nelson, Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull – from all of whom I learnt a lot,” he said on the eve of receiving the honour.
He lists the 2004 and 2013 elections, which were won by the Liberal party, as highlights of his career, but it’s not just the victories that stand out.
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“The period after 2007 when the Coalition lost, which was a very difficult time. The team collectively worked well together and rebounded quickly,” Mr Loughnane said.
It’s not unusual for those who roam the halls of power and steer the major political parties to be recognised under Australia’s honours system. Liberal strategist Lynton Crosby was recognised with an AO for services to politics in 2005, former Labor MP Gary Gray also received an AO in 2003 (before he was elected) for services to the Australian Labor Party and to politics. Former minister Andrew Robb was also recognised for his work as director of the Liberal party with an AO in 2003.
While many Australians might have few good words to say about how politicians and their industry contribute to the nation, Loughnane believes the role of political parties is valuable to society.
“The stability and vibrancy of Australian democracy depends on a number of institutions, including the public service, but also political parties which have a critical and much underestimated role in politics” he said.
The Order of Australia is the pre-eminent way Australians recognise the achievements and service of their fellow citizens.
Nominations for awards in the General Division of the Order of Australia come directly from the community. Nominations are considered by the Council for the Order of Australia which makes recommendations direct to the Governor-General.
Appointments in the Order of Australia are not made posthumously. However, a nomination will be considered if the person is alive when the nomination form is received by the Australian Honours and Awards Secretariat at Government House in Canberra.
The Governor-General makes appointments to the Military Division of the Order of Australia on the recommendation of the Minister for Defence.
Honorary appointments in the Order of Australia may be made to people who are not Australian citizens where they have given extraordinary service to Australia or humanity at large.
COUNCIL FOR THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA
The Council for the Order of Australia is an independent body that considers nominations for appointments and awards in the General Division of the Order.
The Council makes recommendations for appointments direct to the Governor-General.
The Council considers whether a nominee in the Order of Australia has:
- demonstrated achievement at a high level
- made a contribution over and above what might be reasonably expected through paid employment, or
- whose voluntary contribution to the community stands out from others who have also made a valuable contribution.
The Council meets twice a year. There are 19 members including representatives of every state and territory, public office holders (ex-officio) and community representatives.
The community representatives on the Council are appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.