The Guidelines concerning the acceptance and wearing of foreign honours and awards by Australians, available on the Governor-General's website, outline the rules and process around whether foreign awards are able to be formally accepted.
Under these guidelines, the Governor-General, on the advice of the Prime Minister or the Minister with portfolio responsibility, determines whether Australian citizens can accept and wear foreign awards. Awards that may be accepted and worn are listed in the Schedule of Approved Countries and Awards (the Schedule).
Proposals to add new awards to the Schedule may be submitted to the Honours and Symbols Section of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet; or in the case of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel (and/or a foreign military award), the Directorate of Honours and Awards at the Department of Defence, with full details of the proposed award and recipient.
Awards presented to Australian citizens without prior warning may be accepted to avoid giving offence. However, arrangements should be made as soon as possible to seek approval for the award to be listed on the Schedule.
For further information, please consult the Guidelines concerning the acceptance and wearing of foreign honours and awards by Australians on the Governor-General's website.