the order of australia is the only australian order of chivalry, although certain dynastic british orders of chivalry, such as the order of the garter, the order of the thistle and the royal victorian order, may still be awarded to australians by the monarch of australia. it was established on 14 february 1975 by queen elizabeth ii on the recommendation of the prime minister of australia, gough whitlam, to recognize australian citizens and other persons for achievement, meritorious service, or for both.