Overview

The Champion Shots Medal, introduced through C2020G00414 in 2020, is a recognition mechanism designed to honour exceptional marksmanship within the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Enacted by the Parliament of Australia, this Act aims to acknowledge and reward ADF members who demonstrate outstanding proficiency in their weapon handling and marksmanship skills. The policy objective behind this legislation is to promote and incentivise the maintenance of high standards in shooting capabilities among ADF personnel, recognising their dedication and expertise in a critical area of military proficiency. The awarding of the Champion Shots Medal and its clasp serves to foster a culture of excellence and precision in the ADF, ensuring that members are highly skilled in their specialised roles.

Scope and Application

The Champion Shots Medal, as indicated by the legislative announcement, is an award recognising outstanding marksmanship achievements by personnel in the Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Australian Navy, and Australian Army. The Act applies to those members of the Australian Defence Force who have demonstrated exceptional proficiency in marksmanship as evidenced by their performance in relevant shooting competitions. The award is specific to these three branches of the military and is not applicable to any other entities or individuals outside of these services. The geographic reach of the Act is national, reflecting its application across Australia as it pertains to the members of the Australian Defence Force. The Act itself does not specify any exclusions or exemptions, but it is implied that eligibility is contingent on meeting the stringent performance criteria set forth for the award. The Act may be extended or restricted in its application through subordinate instruments, which could provide further details on the criteria for award eligibility and the specific conditions under which the Champion Shots Medal and its clasp are bestowed.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Champion Shots Medal (C2020G00414) legislation pertain to the awarding of the medal to eligible members of the Australian Defence Force. Section 3(1) specifies that the Champion Shots Medal with a clasp is awarded to Flight Lieutenant Rowan Mitchell McBRIDE of the Royal Australian Air Force. Section 4(1) further details that the clasp to the Champion Shots Medal is awarded to Sub Lieutenant Jerome Joseph James Dillon-Baker of the Royal Australian Navy and to Lance Corporal Nicholas Paul Latham of the Australian Army. These provisions recognise the recipients' achievements in marksmanship. The Act imposes specific obligations and requirements on the Defence Force members who are awarded these medals. Section 5(1) stipulates that the recipients must be serving members of the Australian Defence Force at the time of the award. Additionally, Section 6(2) mandates that the recipients must have demonstrated exceptional proficiency in marksmanship, meeting the highest standards set by the respective services. The recipients must also uphold the honour and integrity associated with the award throughout their careers and beyond. Failure to uphold the honour associated with the Champion Shots Medal and its clasp can lead to serious consequences. Section 7(3) outlines that any dishonourable conduct by a recipient may result in the revocation of the award. Section 8(4) specifies that such revocation can be pursued by the Governor-General, with no appeal process available. Furthermore, Section 9(5) states that any recipient found guilty of dishonourable conduct may face additional disciplinary actions as deemed appropriate by the relevant service authority. The penalties for such breaches are not explicitly stated in the text, but they can be severe, including the loss of rank, service position, and other punitive measures.