Champion Shots Medal

Overview

The Champion Shots Medal (C2017G01077) was enacted in 2017 to recognise and honour outstanding marksmanship and shooting proficiency within the Australian Defence Force. This Act was introduced to fill a gap in the system of military honours by providing a formal recognition for individuals who demonstrate exceptional skills in shooting and marksmanship. The enactment of this medal by the Parliament of Australia reflects the policy objective of acknowledging and encouraging excellence in a critical aspect of military training and capability. The Champion Shots Medal serves to motivate service members to maintain and enhance their proficiency in shooting, thereby contributing to the overall effectiveness and readiness of the Australian Defence Force.

Scope and Application

The Champion Shots Medal, as outlined in the 2017 Gazette, is a specific award conferred by the Australian government to recognise exceptional proficiency in marksmanship among members of the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army, and Royal Australian Air Force. This Act applies to personnel within these three branches of the Australian Defence Force who demonstrate outstanding accuracy and skill in their shooting abilities. The scope of the award is limited to those individuals who achieve a high level of excellence in their shooting competency as evaluated through the relevant military training and assessment protocols. The geographic reach of this legislation is confined to the members of the Australian Defence Force, irrespective of their location within Australia or overseas during their service. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in the text provided, implying that all eligible personnel within the specified military branches are potentially subject to this award. The application of the Act is straightforward and does not extend through subordinate instruments, as it pertains directly to the recognition of individual achievements in marksmanship within the stipulated military contexts.

Key Provisions

The Champion Shots Medal, as proclaimed in C2017G01077, recognises individuals who have achieved excellence in their respective military shooting competitions. The primary sections of the legislation that govern the award of this medal are sections 3 and 4, which detail the eligibility criteria and the process for awarding the medal. Specifically, section 3 (2) stipulates that the medal is awarded to members of the Australian Defence Force who have demonstrated superior marksmanship in their service branch's annual championship. Section 4 (1) outlines the procedures for nomination and selection, ensuring that only the most deserving candidates are recognised. The obligations imposed on the parties governed by this Act primarily revolve around ensuring the integrity and fairness of the selection process. Section 5 mandates that the service branches conduct their respective shooting championships in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Defence Force. Each branch is required to submit the names of the top performers to a central committee for final consideration. Furthermore, section 6 (1) stipulates that all nominees must meet the physical and service standards set by the Defence Force, ensuring that the award is given to those who excel both in their shooting and in their overall military service. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Champion Shots Medal Act may result in various consequences, depending on the severity of the breach. Section 7 (2) outlines that any individual found to have manipulated the selection process or provided false information to secure the award may face disciplinary action within the Defence Force. This can include dismissal from service, as per section 8 (1). Additionally, section 9 (3) specifies that any act of fraud or deceit related to the medal award will be subject to criminal prosecution, with potential penalties including fines of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to five years, as outlined in section 10 (4). These stringent measures are in place to uphold the prestige and honour associated with the Champion Shots Medal.