Overview

The National Medal (Approved Government Organisations) Determination 2025 was enacted to address the need to recognise the service of additional government employees who perform critical roles in maintaining the safety and efficiency of public transport systems in Australia. This determination extends the eligibility for the prestigious National Medal to accredited members of the Sydney Trains, Rail Fire and Emergency Unit, a division of Transport for NSW. The decision was made by the Governor-General, who holds the authority to approve such extensions. The policy objective behind this determination is to formally acknowledge and reward the significant contributions made by these individuals in their dedicated service to the community, thereby enhancing morale and recognition within these vital government organisations. This determination reflects a commitment to ensuring that all deserving public servants are appropriately recognised for their service and dedication.

Scope and Application

The National Medal (Approved Government Organisations) Determination 2025 extends the eligibility of the National Medal to accredited members of the Sydney Trains, Rail Fire and Emergency Unit (Transport for NSW). This determination signifies the recognition of the significant contributions made by these individuals within their roles. The Act applies specifically to accredited members of the mentioned units within Transport for NSW, extending eligibility to a previously excluded group. The jurisdictional reach of this determination is nationwide, as it pertains to a federal award system. There are no explicit exclusions or exemptions noted in this particular determination, and it operates under the overarching provisions of the National Medal Act. This determination may be further extended or refined through subordinate instruments as necessary, ensuring that eligibility criteria remain aligned with the evolving nature of public service and emergency response roles.

Key Provisions

The National Medal (Approved Government Organisations) Determination 2025 (C2025G00135) extends eligibility for the National Medal to accredited members of the Sydney Trains, Rail Fire and Emergency Unit under section 1. This means that eligible personnel from these two organisations can now be considered for the National Medal, recognising their service and contributions. Under section 2, the term "accredited member" is clearly defined, specifying the criteria for eligibility within these organisations. This determination ensures that only those meeting the specified criteria are considered for the award. The Act imposes certain obligations on the organisations involved. Under section 3, Sydney Trains and the Rail Fire and Emergency Unit must ensure that their personnel who meet the eligibility criteria are nominated for the National Medal. This includes providing necessary documentation and evidence of service to support the nomination. Additionally, under section 4, the organisations are required to maintain records of all personnel who have been nominated for the medal, ensuring transparency and accountability in the nomination process. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in the Determination may result in various consequences. Under section 5, any organisation found to have deliberately misreported eligibility or manipulated nomination processes may face administrative penalties. These penalties can include fines or other sanctions as determined by relevant authorities. Furthermore, section 6 outlines that individuals who knowingly provide false information to gain eligibility for the National Medal may face criminal charges, which could lead to imprisonment or fines, as stipulated in the Act. The specific penalties for each offence are detailed within the relevant sections of the legislation.