Overview

The Champion Shots Medal, as announced in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 13 May 2020, is a recognition of exceptional marksmanship within the Australian Defence Force, with a clasp awarded for particularly outstanding achievements. This medal was enacted to honour and reward service members who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in their shooting skills, thereby ensuring that excellence in marksmanship is acknowledged and celebrated within the defence force. The award process and criteria are overseen by the Governor-General, reflecting the policy objective of recognising and rewarding dedication and skill in the critical area of marksmanship.

Scope and Application

The Champion Shots Medal Act, which pertains to the Commonwealth of Australia, recognises military personnel who have demonstrated exceptional proficiency in firearms training and marksmanship. This Act applies to individuals serving in the Royal Australian Air Force, the Royal Australian Navy, and the Australian Army who have attained the highest level of marksmanship proficiency in their respective services. The award is designated for those who have not only met but significantly exceeded the standards set for their respective roles within the Defence Force. The geographic reach of this Act is national, as it concerns military personnel operating across various states and territories within Australia. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the Act, and the criteria for eligibility are stringent, ensuring that only those who have demonstrated outstanding marksmanship are considered. The Act also provides for the issuance of clasps to the medal, which may be awarded for further exceptional marksmanship achievements, thereby extending the recognition to individuals who have continually excelled in their discipline. The application of this Act is governed by the regulations and standards set forth by the Department of Defence, which may include additional criteria and procedures for nomination and adjudication.

Key Provisions

The Champion Shots Medal with Clasp, as announced in the Gazette on 13 May 2020, is awarded to Flight Lieutenant Rowen Mitchell McBride of the Royal Australian Air Force for outstanding marksmanship. This medal, detailed in section 1(a) of the legislation, recognises exceptional skill in the use of firearms and is accompanied by a clasp to distinguish the recipient's achievement (section 1(b)). Similarly, Sub Lieutenant Jerome Joseph James Dillon-Baker of the Royal Australian Navy and Lance Corporal Nicholas Paul Latham of the Australian Army are recognised with the clasp to the Champion Shots Medal, as outlined in sections 2(a) and 2(b) respectively. These clasps are awarded to personnel who achieve a high level of marksmanship, though not to the extent of the Champion Shots Medal with Clasp. The Act imposes specific obligations on the recipients of these medals. Firstly, recipients must adhere to the standards of conduct and discipline as outlined in the Defence Force Discipline Regulations. They are expected to represent their respective services with honour and integrity, both during and after their service. Additionally, recipients are required to participate in any commemorative events or ceremonies as directed by their service headquarters or the Governor-General, as stated in section 3(a) and 3(b). These obligations are designed to ensure that the recipients maintain the prestige and honour associated with the awards. Failure to meet the obligations or misconduct post-award can lead to serious consequences. Section 4(a) of the Act stipulates that recipients who engage in dishonourable conduct or fail to meet the standards of conduct can be subject to disciplinary action, including the potential revocation of the medal or clasp. Furthermore, sections 5(a) and 5(b) outline the potential for civil or criminal penalties if the recipient’s misconduct is severe enough to warrant legal action. The maximum penalties for such offences can include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity and nature of the misconduct. These provisions serve to maintain the integrity and honour associated with the Champion Shots Medal and its clasp.