National Medal (Approved Voluntary Organisations) Determination 2022

Overview

The National Medal (Approved Voluntary Organisations) Determination 2022 is a legislative instrument that was enacted to address the need for recognising the contributions of approved voluntary organisations in the awarding of the National Medal. This determination was made under the authority of the Governor-General, who approved the Queensland Mines Rescue Service Limited and the Queensland Remove Area Tracking Incorporated as approved voluntary organisations. This Determination is a step towards acknowledging the significant role these organisations play in the community by contributing to the eligibility criteria for the National Medal. The determination aims to ensure that the recognition process reflects the diverse and essential services provided by approved voluntary organisations across Australia.

Scope and Application

The National Medal (Approved Voluntary Organisations) Determination 2022 pertains to the recognition and formal acknowledgment of specific volunteer organisations that have demonstrated exemplary service and commitment to the community. This determination applies to the Queensland Mines Rescue Service Limited and the Queensland Remove Area Tracking Incorporated, which are now recognised as 'Approved Voluntary Organisations' for the purposes of the National Medal award. This recognition is granted under the regulations that govern the awarding of the National Medal, which is a prestigious honour designed to celebrate and acknowledge the invaluable contributions made by volunteers across Australia. The geographic reach of this determination is national, and it applies to these specific entities, thereby allowing them to be eligible for the National Medal. The determination does not explicitly outline exclusions or exemptions, nor does it establish specific thresholds for eligibility, but it is inherently limited to the named organisations and their qualifying activities. The scope and application of this determination are further delineated through the regulations that govern the National Medal award, which may include subordinate instruments that provide additional guidelines and criteria for eligibility and application.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the National Medal (Approved Voluntary Organisations) Determination 2022 (C2022G00794) establish the Queensland Mines Rescue Service Limited and the Queensland Remove Area Tracking Incorporated as 'Approved Voluntary Organisations' under the regulations governing the award of the National Medal (sections 1 and 2). This determination follows the approval by the Governor-General, recognising these organisations' contributions to community safety and emergency response services. The approval allows these entities to be considered for the award of the National Medal, which is a prestigious recognition for voluntary contributions to Australia. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs include adherence to the criteria set by the regulations governing the award of the National Medal. Specifically, the Queensland Mines Rescue Service Limited and the Queensland Remove Area Tracking Incorporated must continue to meet the standards and demonstrate ongoing commitment to the activities that qualify them as 'Approved Voluntary Organisations'. They are expected to engage in activities that align with the values and objectives of the National Medal, which recognise significant voluntary contributions to the community. Any breach of the conditions set by this determination could potentially lead to consequences, though the exact nature of these consequences is not detailed in the text provided. Generally, failure to maintain the standards and criteria set for the award of the National Medal might result in the revocation of the 'Approved Voluntary Organisation' status, thereby impacting the eligibility of the organisations for the National Medal. However, the text does not specify the exact penalties or civil/criminal consequences for non-compliance, only that the Determination will be made available on the Governor-General's website for public information.