Overview

The Australian Operational Service Medal (Indo-Pacific) Instrument 2024, Australian Operational Service Medal (Civilian) with Clasp Indo-Pacific Instrument 2024, and Australian Service Medal (Declared Operation) Amendment 2024 were enacted in 2024 to address the need for recognising service in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly among military personnel, defence civilians, and other eligible individuals who have contributed to operations within this geographical area. These instruments were approved by the Governor-General on 12 January 2025, thereby formalising the amendments and new additions to the existing honours and awards system. The policy objective of these amendments is to provide a means of formally acknowledging and celebrating the dedication and service of Australians involved in operations in the Indo-Pacific region, ensuring that their contributions are duly recognised and commemorated. The instruments were enacted by the Governor-General, acting on behalf of the Commonwealth of Australia, to align the honours and awards framework with the evolving nature of Australia's operational commitments and to reflect the significant role played by its citizens in maintaining peace and security in the region.

Scope and Application

The Australian Operational Service Medal (Indo-Pacific) Instrument 2024 and the Australian Operational Service Medal (Civilian) with Clasp Indo-Pacific Instrument 2024 extend the scope of the Australian Honours and Awards system to recognise and reward individuals who have contributed to operational services within the Indo-Pacific region, encompassing both military personnel and civilian participants. This recognition is applicable to those who have been directly involved in declared operations within the specified geographical area, with the intent to honour their service and commitment. The Australian Service Medal (Declared Operation) Amendment 2024 further refines the eligibility criteria and operational parameters for these awards. These instruments collectively enhance the framework governing the distribution of honours and awards, ensuring that deserving individuals receive appropriate recognition for their contributions. The reach of these instruments is national, applying across all states and territories of Australia, as they are established under Commonwealth legislation. There are no exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds specified in these instruments, meaning that all eligible personnel and civilians who meet the operational service criteria can be considered for these honours. The application of these acts may be further detailed or extended through subordinate instruments, which would provide additional guidelines or clarifications as necessary.

Key Provisions

The Australian Operational Service Medal (Indo-Pacific) Instrument 2024 (Section 1) establishes a new medal to recognise service in the Indo-Pacific region, while the Australian Operational Service Medal (Civilian) with Clasp Indo-Pacific Instrument 2024 (Section 2) introduces a clasp to the existing medal for civilian personnel involved in operations in the same region. The Australian Service Medal (Declared Operation) Amendment 2024 (Section 3) modifies the criteria for the award of the Australian Service Medal to include service in the declared operations in the Indo-Pacific region. These provisions aim to formally recognise the contributions of both military and civilian personnel in the specified geographical area. The Act imposes specific obligations on the relevant authorities to administer these new and amended medals. Under Section 4 of the Australian Operational Service Medal (Indo-Pacific) Instrument 2024, the Defence Force is required to determine eligibility and award the medal to eligible personnel. Similarly, the Australian Operational Service Medal (Civilian) with Clasp Indo-Pacific Instrument 2024 (Section 5) mandates that civilian agencies identify and recommend individuals for the clasp. The Australian Service Medal (Declared Operation) Amendment 2024 (Section 6) requires that the criteria for the award of the Australian Service Medal be updated to include the new operational area. These provisions ensure that the new recognitions are properly managed and awarded to those who qualify. In terms of breaches and consequences, the Act does not explicitly outline offences or penalties for failure to comply with the new provisions. However, it is understood that any breaches of these provisions, such as improper award of the medals or failure to recommend eligible personnel, could lead to disciplinary action or other administrative consequences as per existing regulations governing the administration of honours and awards. The specific penalties would depend on the severity of the breach and the internal policies of the respective agencies. Nonetheless, the importance of adhering to the new criteria is underscored to maintain the integrity and respect associated with these honours.