Knights and Dames in Australia

KNIGHTS AND DAMES OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

HISTORY:

* The Order of Australia was established in 1975 by Queen Elizabeth II on advice from Labor Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. Australians previously received British honours

* Knight (AK) and dame (AD) honours categories created in 1976 by the Queen on advice from the Malcolm Fraser Liberal-National coalition

* In 1986 knights and dames abolished from Australian honours system on advice from the Bob Hawke Labor government

* Prime Minister Tony Abbott reintroduced knight and dame categories on 25 March 2014

* Mr Abbott wanted these honours reserved for special recognition of "extraordinary and pre-eminent achievement and merit"

* Under new system a maximum of four knights and dames (two of each) can be appointed each year

* Governors-General receive the honour by virtue of their position, making Dame Quentin Bryce a Dame of the Order of Australia before her retirement on 28 March

* Incoming Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove was appointed Knight when sworn in

* Retired NSW Governor Marie Bashir was made a Dame in June 2014

* Two knights appointed on Australia Day 2015: Former Australian Defence Force chief Sir Angus Houston and The Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth's husband Prince Philip

AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS:

* Five levels of honours: Knight and Dame (AK and AD), Companion (AC), Officer (AO), Member (AM), Medal (OAM)

* Knights and Dames, the highest honour, approved by Queen Elizabeth on the recommendation of the prime minister

* For other honours anyone can nominate an Australian for consideration by the Council for the Order of Australia

* 824 people on the Australia Day honours list in 2015 - all may use the honour letters after their name