National Emergency Medal Determination

Overview

The National Emergency Medal Determination 2014 was made by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Sir Peter Cosgrove, on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen, and it pertains to the design and awarding of the National Emergency Medal. This determination was introduced to acknowledge and recognise the contributions and sacrifices made by Australians during national emergencies. The medal serves to honour individuals who have served in such critical situations, thereby providing a formal recognition of their efforts and dedication. The objective of this determination aligns with the broader policy of the Commonwealth to appropriately commemorate and reward acts of service and bravery in times of national crisis. The National Emergency Medal itself features a circular design with a central image of the wattle, Australia's national floral emblem, encircled by flowering wattle to symbolise the sacrifices made by Australians in service to others during emergencies. The medal is suspended from a specially designed ribbon that includes symbolic colours and bands representing the states and territories of Australia. This design encapsulates both the commemorative intent and the national identity, ensuring the medal reflects the values and spirit of the nation it represents.

Scope and Application

The National Emergency Medal Determination, made by the Governor-General under the authority of regulations governing the award of the National Emergency Medal, outlines the design and specifications of the National Emergency Medal, its miniature, and its ribbon. This determination applies to any individual who is awarded the National Emergency Medal for service to others in a national emergency. The medal is designed to be a circular, 38 millimetres in diameter, finished in Nickel Silver, featuring a central image of a stylised representation of Australia’s national floral emblem, the wattle. The medal is suspended from a 32 millimetre wide riband by a fixed nickel-silver suspender bar featuring the Commonwealth Coat of Arms. The back of the medal repeats the ring of flowering wattle and includes the words 'FOR SERVICE TO OTHERS IN A NATIONAL EMERGENCY' and space to engrave the name of the recipient. The miniature of the medal is a half-size replica of the medal suspended from a miniature ribbon 16mm wide. The ribbon bar of the National Emergency Medal consists of a strip of full-size ribbon, 32 millimetres wide and 10 millimetres deep, with no emblem. The clasp is awarded to the medal and is worn on the ribbon 10 millimetres from the ribbon slot. Any further clasps are worn an additional 10 millimetres above the preceding clasp, unless four or more clasps in which case they are to be spaced evenly. The determination also outlines the order of wear for the National Emergency Medal, which is placed immediately after the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal as approved by The Sovereign. The National Emergency Medal shall be worn on the left breast on all occasions when full-size orders, decorations and medals are worn. The miniature medal is worn on all occasions when miniatures of orders, decorations and medals are worn. The ribbon bar may be worn with all forms of dress at the discretion of the holder. However, it should not be worn at the same time as full-size or miniature medals. The determination does not specify any exclusions or exemptions and applies to the Commonwealth of Australia.

Key Provisions

The National Emergency Medal Determination, made by the Governor-General under the authority of regulations 7 and 8 of the Regulations Governing the Award of the National Emergency Medal, outlines the key aspects of the medal’s design and usage. The medal itself (section 1) is described as a circular piece, 38 millimetres in diameter, crafted from Nickel Silver. It features a fixed nickel-silver suspender bar adorned with the Commonwealth Coat of Arms, and is suspended from a 32 millimetre wide ribbon. The central image of the medal is a stylised representation of the wattle, Australia’s national floral emblem, encircled by flowering wattle, signifying the achievements and sacrifices of Australians during national emergencies. The back of the medal includes the inscription "FOR SERVICE TO OTHERS IN A NATIONAL EMERGENCY" and space for the recipient’s name. The miniature of the National Emergency Medal (section 2) is a half-size replica of the medal, suspended from a miniature ribbon that is 16 millimetres wide. The ribbon for the medal (section 3) is 32 millimetres wide and features a combination of gold and eucalyptus green colours. The gold colour symbolises the Australian sun, optimism, and hope, while the eucalyptus green complements the medal’s design. The seven gold bands on the ribbon represent Australia’s six states and territories. The ribbon bar (section 4) of the medal is a strip of full-size ribbon, 32 millimetres wide and 10 millimetres deep, without any emblem. The clasp for the medal (section 5) is a bar 37 millimetres wide and 6 millimetres deep, worn on the ribbon 10 millimetres from the ribbon slot, with additional clasps spaced accordingly. The Determination also specifies the wearing of the medal (section 6). The full-size National Emergency Medal is to be worn on the left breast when full-size orders, decorations, and medals are worn, while the miniature is worn on occasions when miniatures are worn. The ribbon bar may be worn with all forms of dress at the discretion of the holder but should not be worn simultaneously with the full-size or miniature medals. The Order of Wear (section 7) places the National Emergency Medal immediately after the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal, as approved by The Sovereign. This detailed determination ensures clarity in the design, wear, and presentation of the National Emergency Medal, providing a comprehensive framework for its use. While the Determination itself does not explicitly outline specific obligations, penalties, or consequences for breaches, it is implicitly understood that adherence to the guidelines and regulations surrounding the award and wear of the National Emergency Medal is expected. Failure to comply with these guidelines could potentially lead to administrative or disciplinary actions depending on the context and the governing authorities’ interpretation. The focus of the Determination is on the formal and ceremonial aspects of the medal, rather than punitive measures for non-compliance.