Overview

The National Emergency Medal (Bushfires 2019-20) Declaration 2020 is an Act declared by the Governor-General on 4 December 2020, aimed at recognising the significant efforts and sacrifices made by emergency service personnel and volunteers during the catastrophic bushfires that affected Australia between 2019 and 2020. This declaration was enacted to provide a formal acknowledgement of the bravery and dedication displayed by those who responded to these unprecedented natural disasters, thereby addressing the gap in recognising their contributions through an official national medal. The policy objective of this declaration is to honour and pay tribute to the tireless work of emergency responders, including firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and volunteers, who played a crucial role in mitigating the impact of the bushfires and ensuring the safety and security of the communities involved. The declaration was made by the Governor-General on behalf of the Parliament of Australia, signifying the nation’s appreciation for their invaluable service during this national crisis.

Scope and Application

The National Emergency Medal (Bushfires 2019-20) Declaration 2020 applies to individuals who were directly involved in emergency services operations during the bushfires that occurred in Australia between 1 July 2019 and 30 June 2020. This encompasses a wide range of personnel, including but not limited to, firefighters, police officers, paramedics, Defence Force members, and volunteers who provided critical assistance in firefighting and relief efforts across affected regions. The medal recognises their extraordinary efforts in mitigating the impact of these devastating fires, which caused significant loss of life, property, and natural habitat. The geographic scope of the Declaration is national, applying to all states and territories of Australia where emergency operations were conducted during the specified period. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the Declaration, as it aims to honour all eligible personnel who contributed to the emergency response efforts. The application of the medal is further clarified and potentially expanded through subordinate instruments, which may detail specific criteria or additional categories of personnel eligible for the award.

Key Provisions

The National Emergency Medal (Bushfires 2019-20) Declaration 2020, proclaimed under section 6(1) of the Defence Act 1903, establishes criteria for awarding the National Emergency Medal to recognise service during the bushfires of 2019-20. Section 2 of the Declaration specifies the eligibility criteria, which include individuals who have been involved in bushfire suppression, evacuation, or recovery efforts for a minimum number of days (Section 2(1)). It also provides details on the design of the medal and its ribbon (Section 3). The eligibility criteria outlined in Section 2 ensure that the medal is awarded to those who have made a significant contribution during the emergency period. The Act imposes obligations on individuals who receive the National Emergency Medal to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria as specified (Section 2(1)). Recipients must have been directly involved in bushfire-related activities and have served for the minimum required period, as outlined in the Declaration (Section 2(2)). Additionally, the Defence Act 1903 governs the overall administration of the medal, including its issuance and the conduct of recipients (Section 6(1)). These obligations ensure that the medal is awarded fairly and only to those who have genuinely contributed to the emergency response. Breaches of the conditions for the award of the National Emergency Medal may result in civil or criminal consequences. Section 5(1) of the Defence Act 1903 states that any person who falsely claims to have received the medal or wears the medal without qualification may be liable for a civil penalty. Under Section 5(2), the penalty for such an offence can extend to a fine of up to 50 penalty units or imprisonment for up to two years, or both. These provisions ensure the integrity and prestige of the medal are maintained.