Australian Corrections Medal Determination

Overview

The Australian Corrections Medal was introduced in 2017 through a determination made by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia. The primary purpose of this legislation was to recognise the service and dedication of individuals within the Australian corrections system. The enacting body responsible for this determination was the Governor-General, acting pursuant to the regulations governing the award of the Australian Corrections Medal. The policy objective was to provide a formal acknowledgement of the significant contributions made by those who work in the corrections sector, reflecting the importance of their roles in maintaining public safety and facilitating the rehabilitation of offenders. The medal design and its various forms, such as the miniature and ribbon bar, were also specified to facilitate appropriate recognition and wear on different occasions.

Scope and Application

The Australian Corrections Medal Determination governs the design and awarding of the Australian Corrections Medal, which is intended to recognise service and contribution within the correctional services sector. This Act applies to individuals who are recipients of the Medal, including current and former employees of correctional services within the Commonwealth of Australia. It also applies to the design and manufacturing of the Medal, ensuring that it adheres to the specifications outlined in the determination. The scope of the Act is national, as it is issued under the authority of the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and applies to recipients throughout Australia. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the text, meaning that all eligible individuals and entities should comply with the guidelines set forth. The Act can be extended or further detailed through subordinate instruments, such as regulations or further determinations, which may provide additional criteria for eligibility or specify procedures for the award and presentation of the Medal.

Key Provisions

The Australian Corrections Medal Determination (C2017G01227) outlines the design and specifications of the Australian Corrections Medal, including its physical attributes and how it should be worn. The medal itself is made of nickel silver, measuring 38 millimetres in diameter and 3.5 millimetres in width, with a fixed suspender bar featuring the word 'CORRECTIONS'. The obverse displays the Federation Star with the scales of justice, encircled by a laurel of Australian wattle, while the reverse allows for the engraving of the recipient's name with a frosted background. The medal's miniature is a half-size replica, suspended from a 16 millimetre ribbon. The standard ribbon for the medal is 32 millimetres wide, consisting of a central royal blue band flanked by white and mustard green bands. Additionally, a ribbon bar is specified as a strip of full-size ribbon, 32 millimetres wide and 10 millimetres high, devoid of any emblems, and a lapel badge, a replica of the medal measuring 10 millimetres in diameter, is also detailed. The determination further specifies the proper occasions for wearing the Australian Corrections Medal and its associated miniature, ribbon bar, and lapel badge. The full-size medal is to be worn on the left breast when full-size orders, decorations, and medals are worn, while the miniature is worn on all occasions when miniatures are appropriate. The ribbon bar can be worn at any time when service dress is worn, and the lapel badge may be worn at any time with civilian dress. The order of wear for the Australian Corrections Medal is specified as immediately after the Emergency Services Medal, adhering to the Order of Wearing Australian Honours and Awards approved by the Sovereign. In terms of obligations, the Act does not impose specific duties or requirements on any parties or entities; instead, it serves as a formal declaration regarding the design and wearing of the Australian Corrections Medal. It outlines the physical characteristics of the medal and its miniature, ribbon, ribbon bar, and lapel badge, as well as the appropriate circumstances for wearing each element. There are no explicit obligations or requirements imposed on individuals or entities by this determination beyond adhering to the specified design and wearing protocols. Regarding potential consequences for non-compliance, the Determination itself does not outline specific offences, penalties, or consequences for breach. The nature of the document is declarative rather than prescriptive, focusing on the design and protocol rather than enforcement mechanisms. Therefore, while it is expected that the design and wearing protocols would be adhered to, there are no stated maximum penalties or specific civil or criminal consequences for non-compliance within the text of the Determination.