Australian Antarctic Medal Determination

Overview

The Australian Antarctic Medal Determination 2008 was enacted to replace the previously established Antarctic Medal Determination of 1992, addressing the need for a contemporary and relevant form of recognition for outstanding service in the Antarctic. This prerogative instrument was issued by Philip Michael Jeffery, the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting under the Regulations Governing the Award of the Australian Antarctic Medal Regulations. The policy objective is to provide a distinct and meaningful way to honour individuals who have rendered exceptional service in the Antarctic, reflecting both the unique nature of the region and the contributions of those who work there. The new design and specifications for the medal, its miniature, ribbon, and other associated items were determined to better symbolise the dedication and hardships faced by Antarctic expeditioners.

Scope and Application

The Australian Antarctic Medal, as determined by the Prerogative Instrument C2010Q00003, is awarded to individuals who have rendered outstanding service in the Antarctic region. This medal recognises the exceptional contributions made by individuals in support of Australia's activities and interests in Antarctica, encompassing scientific research, logistical support, and other forms of service deemed to be of significant importance. The Act applies to any person who has rendered such service, whether they are Australian citizens or foreign nationals, provided their service has been in support of Australian Antarctic efforts. The geographic reach of the Act is inherently linked to the Antarctic region, as the award is contingent upon service rendered there. The Act does not explicitly exclude any particular groups or types of conduct from its purview, but the criterion of "outstanding service" inherently limits the recipients to those whose contributions meet a high standard. The Act's application is extended through the issuance of subordinate instruments, which may further detail the criteria and procedures for the award of the medal, such as the nomination process and the assessment of service rendered.

Key Provisions

Section 1 of the Australian Antarctic Medal Determination (2010) specifies the design of the Australian Antarctic Medal, detailing its materials, shape, and inscriptions. The medal is described as a nickel-silver octagonal piece, 38 millimetres in diameter, featuring a hexagonal ice-crystal device and specific inscriptions on both the obverse and reverse sides. The obverse side depicts the Southern Hemisphere with Australia and the Antarctic, accompanied by the inscription “FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE IN THE ANTARCTIC”, while the reverse side shows an Antarctic expeditioner using an axe amidst a blizzard outside Mawson's hut. Section 2 details the miniature version of the medal, which is a half-size replica of the full medal, suspended from a ribbon that is 16 millimetres wide. Section 3 outlines the specifications for the ribbon of the medal, which is 32 millimetres wide and features a snow-white moire design with three millimetre edges of blue merging into the white. The Act imposes several obligations on the entities and individuals it governs. The most significant of these is the requirement for the Australian Antarctic Medal to be worn in accordance with the specified guidelines. Section 8 stipulates that the full-sized medal is to be worn on the left breast when full-sized orders, decorations, and medals are worn, while the miniature medal is to be worn on occasions when miniatures of such honours are worn. The ribbon bar may be worn at any time when service dress is worn, and the lapel badge may be worn with civilian dress at any time. Additionally, Section 9 mandates that the Australian Antarctic Medal be worn in accordance with the Order of Wearing Australian Honours and Awards, which is periodically approved by the Sovereign. Section 6 of the Act provides clarity on the recognition of second and subsequent awards of the Australian Antarctic Medal. It stipulates that each additional award is recognised by the presentation of a nickel-silver date bar inscribed with the year the service was rendered. This bar is worn attached to the ribbon of the original medal, above the previous year's date bar. For the miniature medal, a half-size replica of the date bar is worn. Additionally, a replica of the ice-crystal device is used as a link between the Australian Antarctic Medal and its suspension bar, measuring 9 millimetres in diameter, and is worn on the ribbon bar. While the Act does not explicitly detail offences, penalties, or consequences for breaches, it is implied that any misuse or improper wearing of the medal may contravene the Order of Wearing Australian Honours and Awards. However, the specific penalties for such breaches are not outlined within this Act but are governed by broader Australian honours legislation.