Overview

The National Medal (Approved Government Organisations) Determination 2019 was enacted to amend the existing framework under which government organisations can be involved in the awarding of the National Medal. This piece of legislation was introduced to address the need for clarity and specificity in identifying which government bodies are eligible to participate in the process of recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to Australian society. The determination was made by the Governor-General, the head of the executive branch of the Commonwealth of Australia, in accordance with the policy objective of ensuring that only appropriate and authorised government organisations are involved in the distribution of this national honour. The determination specifically recognises the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia as an 'Approved Government Organisation', thereby expanding the scope of entities that can be involved in the award process of the National Medal.

Scope and Application

The National Medal (Approved Government Organisations) Determination 2019 applies to the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia, recognising it as an 'Approved Government Organisation' within the context of awarding the National Medal. This determination underscores the significance of the Public Transport Authority's contributions to the community and public service, thus acknowledging its role in the national recognition framework. The scope of this determination is limited to the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia, and it pertains specifically to its eligibility to award the National Medal. The geographic reach of this legislation is confined to the Commonwealth level, as it involves a federal award, and its application is primarily administrative, ensuring that certain government entities are duly recognised in the national honours system. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds in this particular determination, and its application is straightforward without any extension or restriction through subordinate instruments. This determination is integral to the broader regulatory framework that governs the award of the National Medal, ensuring that eligible government organisations can appropriately recognise individuals within their jurisdictions.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the National Medal (Approved Government Organisations) Determination 2019 pertain to the recognition of specific organisations that are eligible to award the National Medal. The core provision of the Determination (Section 1) confirms the approval of the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia as an ‘Approved Government Organisation’ under the regulations that govern the award of the National Medal. This approval is pivotal as it enables the Authority to nominate individuals for the award based on their service and contributions to the public transport sector in Western Australia. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Determination on the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia are primarily focused on adherence to the criteria and standards set forth by the National Medal regulations. The Authority must ensure that nominations for the National Medal are made in accordance with the eligibility criteria and that the nominees have rendered significant service in the public transport sector. The Authority is also required to maintain records and documentation that substantiate the eligibility of nominees, ensuring transparency and accountability in the nomination process. In terms of offences, penalties, or consequences for breach, the Determination does not explicitly outline specific civil or criminal penalties for non-compliance with the provisions. However, the implications of not adhering to the regulations could include the disqualification of nominations, which could potentially affect the recognition of deserving individuals. Furthermore, the Authority may face scrutiny and potential reputational damage if it is found to be non-compliant with the standards set by the National Medal regulations. It is important for the Authority to ensure rigorous compliance to avoid any adverse outcomes.