Conspicuous Service Decorations - July 2026

Overview

The Conspicuous Service Decorations Act 1975 was enacted to provide recognition for members of the Australian Defence Force who have performed meritorious service or have acted with dedication and bravery in non-combat situations. This legislation was introduced to address the need for a formal system to honour the exemplary service of military personnel who might not have been eligible for other forms of recognition. The enactment of this Act was carried out by the Parliament of Australia, with the overarching policy objective being to acknowledge and reward the outstanding contributions made by members of the Defence Force in enhancing operational capabilities and fostering a culture of excellence within the military. The awards under this Act serve to highlight and celebrate the commitment and sacrifices of individuals who have gone above and beyond in their roles, thereby reinforcing the values and standards of the Australian Defence Force.

Scope and Application

The Conspicuous Service Decorations Act, which governs the awarding of military honours such as the Conspicuous Service Medal, applies to individuals who have rendered meritorious service to the Australian Defence Force. Specifically, the Act encompasses both serving and former members of the Australian Defence Force, including the Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy, and Royal Australian Air Force, as well as Defence civilian employees who have distinguished themselves through their service. The Act’s jurisdiction is national, applying across the Commonwealth of Australia. The award process and criteria are outlined within the Act, although the specific acts of merit are detailed in the Gazette, as exemplified in the announcement of Mr. Lance Richard Haslewood's award. The Act does not explicitly mention exclusions or thresholds but implies a standard of merit that warrants such recognition. While the Act itself sets the overarching framework, the precise implementation and administration of these awards may be further detailed in subordinate legislation or regulations.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Conspicuous Service Decorations - July 2026 (C2026G00510) Gazette involve the announcement of the Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) (1). This announcement recognises Mr (then Flight Lieutenant) Lance Richard Haslewood OAM for his meritorious achievements as the Senior Instructor at the Air Movement Training and Development Unit, RAAF Base, Richmond, New South Wales from 1990 to 1992 (1). The Gazette not only recognises individual contributions but also formalises the award as part of the official honours system. The Act imposes specific obligations on the parties involved, primarily focusing on the formal recognition of service and merit. The Governor-General, through this Gazette, acknowledges the exemplary service rendered by Mr Haslewood, thereby establishing his contribution as part of the nation's honours system (2). This recognition not only serves to honour the individual but also to inspire and encourage similar excellence within the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and beyond (2). Additionally, the Gazette provides a detailed account of the individual's service, ensuring that the basis for the award is well documented and transparent (2). Under this legislation, there are no specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences outlined for breaches. The primary function of the Gazette is to formally recognise and celebrate merit within the RAAF. However, the integrity of the honours system is paramount, and any misrepresentation or misconduct in the nomination or award process could lead to potential investigations and consequences under broader public service integrity laws (3). These could include disciplinary actions or even the revocation of the award, though specific penalties for such actions are not detailed within this particular Gazette.