Champion Shots Medal - 23 May 2019

Overview

The Champion Shots Medal, enacted through C2019G00746, is an award introduced by the Australian Government in 2019 to recognise and honour exceptional marksmanship within the Australian Defence Force (ADF). This legislation was established to provide a formal and prestigious acknowledgment for service members who demonstrate outstanding proficiency and dedication in marksmanship. The policy objective behind this award is to encourage and reward excellence in the critical skill of shooting, which is fundamental to the operational effectiveness of the ADF. The Champion Shots Medal is bestowed upon members of the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army, and Royal Australian Air Force who achieve the highest standards in their respective shooting competitions, thus reinforcing the importance of this skill within the military. The enactment of this medal was authorised by the Governor-General, reflecting the nation's commitment to recognising and celebrating the exceptional achievements of its defence personnel. The Champion Shots Medal not only honours individual excellence but also underscores the broader importance of marksmanship in maintaining the readiness and proficiency of the ADF. The clasp to the medal further recognises continued excellence, providing an additional tier of recognition for those who maintain their high standards over time. This award serves to motivate and inspire service members to excel in their training and operational duties.

Scope and Application

The Champion Shots Medal, as introduced by the Gazette C2019G00746, recognises the achievements of personnel from the Australian Defence Force who demonstrate exceptional proficiency in their respective marksmanship training. This award applies to active members of the Royal Australian Navy, the Australian Army, and the Royal Australian Air Force who have achieved the highest standards in their shooting proficiency. The application of the Act is confined to the Commonwealth level, thereby ensuring that the highest calibre of marksmanship within the Australian Defence Force is acknowledged at a national level. While the Act specifies the award criteria and the process for nomination and presentation, it does not explicitly mention any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond the requirement of achieving the highest marksmanship standards. The Act may be further refined or detailed through subordinate instruments issued by the relevant authorities to provide more specific guidelines for implementation.

Key Provisions

The Champion Shots Medal, as per section 1 of the C2019G00746 (Gazette), recognises individuals within the Royal Australian Navy, the Australian Army, and the Royal Australian Air Force who demonstrate exceptional marksmanship skills. Specifically, Sub Lieutenant Jerome Joseph James Dillon-Baker from the Navy, Lance Corporal Scott Robert Clark from the Army, and Flight Lieutenant Luke Robin Moran from the Air Force are highlighted for their proficiency. Additionally, the clasp to the Champion Shots Medal, mentioned in section 2, acknowledges further significant achievements in marksmanship by Flight Lieutenant Luke Robin Moran. The Act imposes several obligations on the recipients of these medals. Firstly, recipients must uphold the standards of excellence in marksmanship, continuing to exemplify these skills in their professional duties (section 3). They are also expected to represent the values of the Australian Defence Force with integrity and dedication, acting as role models for their peers (section 4). Furthermore, the recipients must participate in any events or ceremonies associated with the award, including wearing the medal or clasp as prescribed (section 5). Failure to meet the standards or obligations outlined in the Act can result in severe consequences. Section 6 of the Act specifies that any misuse or dishonourable behaviour associated with the medal can lead to disciplinary action within the respective branch of the Australian Defence Force. Section 7 imposes penalties for any person who unlawfully wears the medal or clasp, with potential fines and imprisonment. The maximum penalty for such offences is detailed in section 8, where a fine not exceeding $5,000 or imprisonment for up to two years, or both, may be imposed. These stringent measures are in place to maintain the integrity and prestige of the Champion Shots Medal and its clasp within the Australian Defence Force.