Dinner at Mspiggy’s, originally uploaded by David.

David says if I want to post anything to his blog I have to introduce myself. Hi I am David’s friend MsPiggy and I may post about Brisbane too occasionally. *waves*

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports about the Queenslanders recognised in today’s Queen’s Birthday honours list.

Justice Margaret McMurdo, who is the President of the Queensland Court of Appeal, was awarded the highest rank - she is now a Companion of the Order of Australia.

A nurse at the Bundaberg Hospital, Toni Hoffman, has been appointed a Member of the Order. Ms Hoffman was the ‘whistleblower’ who exposed the scandal surrounding Dr Jayant Patel.

The Order of Australia was started in 1975, to replace the old British Imperial honours system.

For ten years (1976 - 1986) people could be appointed a Knight or a Dame of the Order of Australia, but not any more. Prime Minister Mr John Howard, leader of the conservative coalition government for the last eleven years, has never looked like bringing back Australian knighthoods. Only twleve knights (including Prince Charles) and two Dames were ever appointed, and only five of them are still alive.

Even though the Order of Australia is, in theory, awarded by the Governor-General, who represents the Queen of Australia, Elizabeth II (who is also the Queen of the UK). In reality the awards are decided by the Council for the Order of Australia, which has representatives from State and Territory Governments, the Federal Government, some public officials and the community.

You can see the list of all Australians honoured today if you click here. If you’d like to nominate someone for an award in the Order of Australia, click here.

Congratulations to all the new appointees to the Order Of Australia!