I tend to agree with Stuart Midgley. The published spiel that the Governor General puts out with the awardee's name is supplied by?? The awardee..
I reckon the way the system works is simply this:-
Some of the wealthiest and most powerful are awarded the AC as they can afford to be philanthropists. (Even if the money would otherwise have to be paid in income or company tax.)
The really deserving recipients are those that are awarded the OAM. They are the Mums and Dads that really benefit their communities.
The Australian Police Medal is only ever awarded to very senior police.