Queen's birthday is the celebration to the birth of Australia's head of state, Queen Elizabeth II. Australia is still a constitutional monarchy.

It is officially a public holiday held in every second Monday in June in every state and territory except Western Australia. This year in 2011, Queen's Birthday will be held on 13th June.

Also on the day, the Queen will select a list of honours and awards for the people of commonwealth, these included Australian citizens who have made a significant difference to their communities. The honours are announced by the Australian's Governor General, a representative of the Queen in our constitution.

Almost 400 Australian citizens will received this year Queen's birthday honours list. 

These included diverse group of Australian citizens from a former deputy prime minister, a spymaster, a cricketing legend and an opera composer are among the diverse Australian Citizens honoured

By Ozihelp Admin

References:

[1] Page 50 in "Australian Citizenship : Our Common Bond" by DIAC, Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

[2] Queen's Birthday honours for almost 400 (Source : SMH)

[3] http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/ - Queen's honour list