Overview

The Southern Queensland Correctional Centre and the Metropolitan Women’s Correctional Centre, now known as the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, were approved as 'Approved Government Organisations' under the regulations governing the award of the National Medal through the Gazetted instrument C2013G01146 in 2013. This approval was given by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, signifying their recognition as entities eligible to award the National Medal, which is a civilian award within the Australian honours system. This determination was made to address a gap in the recognition of contributions and services provided by correctional centre staff, thereby ensuring that their dedication and efforts in maintaining public safety and rehabilitation efforts are duly acknowledged. The policy objective behind this move is to enhance the morale and recognition of the hardworking personnel within these correctional facilities.

Scope and Application

The Southern Queensland Correctional Centre and the Metropolitan Women’s Correctional Centre, now known as the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, have been approved as 'Approved Government Organisations' under the regulations governing the award of the National Medal. This determination applies to these specific correctional centres, which are now empowered to recommend individuals for the award of the National Medal, recognising their contributions and service. The scope of this legislation is geographically and institutionally limited, focusing solely on these correctional facilities within the Australian framework. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within the text, and the approval appears to extend directly without the need for subordinate instruments, given the explicit nature of the determination. This legislative action enhances the recognition process by integrating these correctional centres into the official channels for awarding the National Medal.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislation pertain to the approval of specific correctional centres as ‘Approved Government Organisations’ under the regulations governing the award of the National Medal. The Southern Queensland Correctional Centre and the Metropolitan Women’s Correctional Centre, now known as the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, have been approved as such, as indicated in the 2013 Determination (sections 2 and 3). This approval signifies that these correctional centres are now eligible to participate in the awarding process of the National Medal, recognising outstanding service or bravery by Australian citizens. The Act imposes certain obligations and requirements on these correctional centres. As approved government organisations, they must adhere to the criteria and guidelines established by the relevant regulations governing the award of the National Medal. This includes ensuring that any nominations or recommendations for the medal are made in accordance with the established procedures and that all necessary documentation and evidence are provided to support the nomination. The approved status also entails maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the nomination process, ensuring that the medal is awarded fairly and justly. Breach of the obligations and requirements set out in the legislation may result in various consequences. While the legislation does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for non-compliance, it is reasonable to infer that failure to adhere to the established procedures and guidelines could potentially lead to the disqualification of nominations or recommendations for the National Medal. Additionally, any actions that bring disrepute to the correctional centres or the award process may also have implications for their approved status. The severity of the consequences would depend on the specific circumstances and the discretion of the relevant authorities.