Overview

The National Medal (Approved Voluntary Organisations) Determination 2019 was enacted in 2019 to address the need for recognising the contributions made by individuals who volunteer their time and effort to various organisations across Australia. The determination was made by the Governor-General under the authority of the National Medal (Volunteers for Emergency Services) Regulations 2007. The policy objective of this determination is to acknowledge the significant role played by volunteer organisations in safeguarding the nation and its citizens. By approving the Australian Ski Patrol Association and the Volunteer Marine Rescue Service of Western Australia as ‘Approved Volunteer Organisations’, the government aims to recognise the dedication and commitment of the volunteers who serve in these organisations.

Scope and Application

The National Medal (Approved Voluntary Organisations) Determination 2019 applies to the Australian Ski Patrol Association and the Volunteer Marine Rescue Service of Western Australia by recognising them as 'Approved Volunteer Organisations' under the regulations that govern the awarding of the National Medal. These organisations, by virtue of their approval, are afforded the eligibility of their members to receive the National Medal, a recognition of their service and contribution within their respective fields. This determination is relevant to individuals who are members of the Australian Ski Patrol Association or the Volunteer Marine Rescue Service of Western Australia and who have rendered eligible voluntary service. The scope of this Act is geographically confined to the Commonwealth of Australia, with its application extending to the recognition of voluntary service provided by the specified organisations within the country. The Act does not explicitly state any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond the eligibility criteria for the National Medal, which is contingent upon the nature and duration of the voluntary service rendered. Any further details or specific conditions pertaining to the award of the medal are likely to be found in subordinate instruments or associated regulations.

Key Provisions

The key sections of the National Medal (Approved Voluntary Organisations) Determination 2019 (section 1) identify the Australian Ski Patrol Association and the Volunteer Marine Rescue Service of Western Australia as approved voluntary organisations under the regulations governing the award of the National Medal. This determination acknowledges these organisations for their voluntary services and allows them to be considered for the award of the National Medal, recognising their contributions to the community (section 2). The obligations imposed by this determination on these organisations primarily relate to eligibility for the National Medal. By being listed as approved voluntary organisations, the Australian Ski Patrol Association and the Volunteer Marine Rescue Service of Western Australia meet the criteria to have their members considered for the award. This recognition comes with the prestige of being acknowledged for their service and contributions to the nation (section 3). There are no specific operational requirements imposed by this determination; instead, it serves to highlight and validate their status as voluntary organisations contributing to public safety and community welfare. Under the National Medal (Approved Voluntary Organisations) Determination 2019, there are no specific offences or penalties outlined for non-compliance. The determination itself is a formal recognition and does not impose regulatory obligations that would result in penalties. However, if these organisations were to breach any underlying regulations related to their voluntary work or governance, they might face consequences under those specific regulations. The focus here is on the acknowledgment and the honour associated with being an approved voluntary organisation, rather than punitive measures (section 4). Therefore, while the determination does not prescribe penalties, adherence to broader regulatory frameworks governing voluntary organisations is expected.