I don't really understand these awards and the criteria relied upon in granting them. I note two former politicians received these awards but if they were so deserving, why were they booted out by their electorate? It is a bit like having your employment terminated for incompetence and then having your photograph displayed prominently in the waiting room and board room of your former employer together with a few paragraphs detailing your great achievements.

The other thing I don't understand is that many of the recipients are rewarded for merely doing the job that they were employed to do at great financial reward. Why does one receive this high honour for playing professional sport or holding a political position? I can understand if someone does something totally outstanding in their chosen field, but just to be in a certain position should not be the cause of great honour being bestowed.

I think it would be far more appreciated if these awards were given to people who actually made a difference in their chosen field or community, not just to people doing what they were paid to do in the first place.  I wonder how many volunteers, local police officers and emergency workers who have worked so tirelessly for the good of their community woke up today to find they have received an award. Probably a few, but not too many I suppose.

There was a very good episode, like all of them, of Yes Prime Minister where Jim Hacker was changing the retiring system. The retiring politicians had to choose between a title or a pension, but not both!

I attended a funeral recently of a good friend and old work mate who had done fantastic work for the RSL over several decades.

Of course he had an amazing swag of awards accumulated over the years & no doubt well deserved.  Included were the MBE & OA along with many from other countries.

I have never been at a gathering where there were so many people displaying the distinctive colours of the OA series of awards, usually accompanied by lots of other Military medals.  There were literally tens of them.

I was very impressed & somewhat humbled about my complete lack of awards.

Unlike many of other Australians, I believe that the vast majority of our Politicians do work hard for the country even if I often don't share their view of what is good for the Nation.  I say good on them & congratulations on any awards that they have received.

Not so sure about Tony or Bronwin though, but maybe that's my political bias showing.

Tony was chased from the electorate by of all things, a female, & by an eye watering thrashing at that!

Yep here we go for another year, the old boy network in full flight! Its just another perk for these pollies. We have an a guy here in Melbourne, (Neale Daniher) who has worked tirelessly for the eradication of MND and raised millions of dollars for this cause, does he get any recognition? of course not. I recall exactly when I realised that they were not for merit most of the time, it was when Mick Jagger was made Sir Mick. ( yes I know that was in England). With regards to the Abbott and the Helicopter Bishop the least said about them the better!!!

I'd forgotten about Choppergate!