Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal (South Sudan) Amendment Declaration 2001 (No. 1)

Overview

The Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal (South Sudan) Amendment Declaration 2001 (No. 1) was enacted by William Patrick Deane, the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, following the recommendation of the Parliamentary Secretary to Cabinet. This amendment declaration seeks to address the need to update the list of organisations eligible for the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal for their contributions in South Sudan. The amendment declaration was issued under subregulation 3 (1) of the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal Regulations and came into effect upon gazettal. The primary purpose of this amendment was to modify the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal (South Sudan) Declaration 2000 by updating the list of specified organisations and their relevant periods or commencement dates of participation. This ensures that the medal remains a current and accurate recognition of humanitarian efforts in South Sudan.

Scope and Application

The Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal (South Sudan) Amendment Declaration 2001 (No. 1) amends the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal (South Sudan) Declaration 2000, broadening the eligibility for the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal by adding specified organisations involved in humanitarian activities in South Sudan. This amendment applies to personnel from the listed organisations, namely Australian Red Cross, CARE Australia, TEAR Australia, and World Vision Australia, who participated in humanitarian efforts within specified periods. The amendment is effective from the date of its gazettal, establishing a clear timeline for eligibility based on the commencement of the humanitarian service in South Sudan. The legislation operates within the Commonwealth jurisdiction, thereby impacting the recognition and potential award of the medal to eligible individuals who have provided humanitarian services in South Sudan. The declaration does not specify any exclusions or exemptions, thereby extending the eligibility to all personnel from the listed organisations who meet the service period criteria.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal (South Sudan) Amendment Declaration 2001 (No. 1) include the name of the Declaration (section 1), its commencement (section 2), and the amendment of the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal (South Sudan) Declaration 2000 (section 3). The Declaration amends the specified organisations that qualify for the award of the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal for their service in South Sudan (Schedule 1). Specifically, it updates the list of organisations and the periods during which they provided eligible service. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs are primarily related to the eligibility criteria for the award of the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal. This includes recognising the service provided by specific organisations in South Sudan and ensuring that only those who meet the criteria as outlined in the amended Declaration are eligible for the medal. The amended list in Schedule 1 specifies the organisations and the time frames during which their service qualifies for the medal. The Declaration does not explicitly outline any offences, penalties, or consequences for breach. However, it is implicit that any misuse or misinterpretation of the eligibility criteria could potentially lead to disputes or challenges regarding the award of the medal. The Declaration serves to clarify and update the criteria to ensure that the medal is awarded accurately and fairly to those who meet the specified requirements. The penalties or consequences for any breaches would likely be determined by the relevant authorities managing the award of the medal, rather than by the Declaration itself.