National Medal Regulations 2011 – Amendments Schedule

Overview

The National Medal Regulations 2011, as amended on 29 January 2020, are integral in governing the awarding of the National Medal, which recognises Australian citizens for their significant service to the community. This legislative update was enacted to refine and modernise the framework governing the eligibility and awarding of the National Medal, ensuring it remains a pertinent and valued recognition for citizens who contribute substantially to their communities. The amendments were introduced by the Parliament of Australia, with the overarching policy objective to provide a clearer and more comprehensive guide for both the eligibility criteria and the processes involved in awarding the National Medal, thereby maintaining its significance and integrity in recognising outstanding community service. The formal approval of these amendments by Her Majesty The Queen underscores the importance of this recognition within the Australian honours system.

Scope and Application

The National Medal Regulations 2011, as amended, apply to individuals who are eligible for the National Medal, which is an honour awarded to recognise the contribution of individuals to the people of Australia. The regulations specifically outline the criteria and process for the awarding of the National Medal and are applicable to citizens and permanent residents of Australia who have demonstrated exceptional service to their communities. The scope of the Act extends to the regulation of the award, including the assessment of applications, the determination of eligibility, and the presentation of the medal. The amendments to the regulations, as approved by Her Majesty The Queen, ensure that the process remains current and reflective of the values and contributions worthy of recognition. These amendments apply nationally and affect the administration of the award across all states and territories of Australia, providing a consistent framework for eligibility and application procedures. Any exclusions or exemptions from the award are detailed within the regulations themselves, which can be accessed via the Governor-General’s website.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the National Medal Regulations 2011, as amended by Letters Patent dated 29 January 2020, include changes to the eligibility criteria for the award of the National Medal (section 3), the process for the submission of applications for the medal (section 4), and the criteria for the presentation and revocation of the medal (section 6). The amendment (section 3) now specifies that to be eligible for the National Medal, a person must have provided at least 20 years of service in specified occupations, such as emergency services, public safety, and community service roles. The amendment also introduces additional categories of service that qualify for the medal (section 3(1A)). Section 4 details the process for submitting an application for the medal, including the required documentation, such as evidence of the qualifying service and a statement of service. The amendment to section 4 also includes provisions for the review of applications by a committee appointed by the Minister. The obligations and requirements imposed by the Act on the parties or entities it governs include the submission of accurate and complete applications for the National Medal, in accordance with the guidelines set out in section 4. The Act also requires the committee responsible for reviewing applications to assess each application fairly and in accordance with the eligibility criteria specified in section 3. The Act further requires the Minister to present the medal to eligible recipients in a formal ceremony, as outlined in section 6. The Act also provides for the revocation of the medal if it is found that the recipient is not entitled to it, or if the recipient engages in conduct that brings the medal into disrepute, as specified in section 6(2). The Act also outlines the offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breach, including maximum penalties where stated. For example, section 11 of the Act provides that any person who knowingly makes a false statement or representation in an application for the National Medal is guilty of an offence and may be liable to a penalty of up to 50 penalty units, or imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. Section 12 of the Act provides that any person who uses the National Medal or any representation of it for commercial purposes without the consent of the Minister is guilty of an offence and may be liable to a penalty of up to 100 penalty units, or imprisonment for up to 18 months, or both. Section 13 of the Act provides that any person who knowingly or wilfully damages, defaces, or destroys the National Medal is guilty of an offence and may be liable to a penalty of up to 200 penalty units, or imprisonment for up to two years, or both.