Overview

The Police Overseas Service Medal Regulations - Amendment 2013, enacted on 6 June 2013, represents an adjustment to the existing Police Overseas Service Medal Regulations 2007. This legislative amendment was introduced to refine and update the criteria and administration of the Police Overseas Service Medal, ensuring that it remains relevant and appropriately honours the service of Australian police personnel who have participated in international policing operations. The Australian Parliament authorised this amendment, reflecting a commitment to recognising the dedication and sacrifices made by these officers abroad. The policy objective behind this amendment is to provide a clear and fair framework that accurately reflects the contributions of Australian police in overseas missions, thereby maintaining the integrity and prestige of the Police Overseas Service Medal.

Scope and Application

The Police Overseas Service Medal Regulations 2007, as amended by the 2013 regulations, apply to individuals who have provided police services overseas and are eligible for the Police Overseas Service Medal. These regulations govern the criteria, application process, and administration of the award, ensuring that it is bestowed upon those who have rendered commendable service in international policing operations. The regulations extend to all personnel, including full-time and part-time officers, who are eligible under the Australian Federal Police or other approved agencies participating in overseas deployments. Geographically, the application of these regulations is not confined to Australia but extends to all Australian police officers serving overseas, reflecting the global scope of their duties. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in these regulations; however, eligibility is strictly defined by the terms of service and conduct during overseas operations. The application and interpretation of these regulations may be further detailed or clarified through subordinate instruments, which are not explicitly mentioned in the gazette but are a common means of extending the legislative framework.

Key Provisions

The Police Overseas Service Medal Regulations 2007 (referred to as the "Regulations") have been amended to update the criteria for the award of the Police Overseas Service Medal (the "Medal"). Specifically, the amendment includes changes that clarify the eligibility of certain police officers for the Medal, and it modifies the definition of "overseas service" to better reflect the nature of modern deployments (Regulations 2013, Clause 3). The Regulations provide that a police officer who has completed a qualifying period of service in an eligible overseas operation is eligible for the Medal (Regulations 2013, Clause 4). The qualifying period is defined as a minimum of 30 days of continuous service, or a minimum of 90 days of aggregate service, in an eligible overseas operation (Regulations 2013, Clause 5). The amended Regulations impose certain obligations on police officers who are applying for the Medal. They must submit an application to the relevant authority within a specified period after their service has concluded (Regulations 2013, Clause 6). The application must include evidence that the officer has completed the qualifying period of service and that they were involved in the eligible overseas operation (Regulations 2013, Clause 7). Additionally, the Regulations require that the application be supported by a nomination from the officer's commanding officer, who must attest to the officer’s service and conduct during the deployment (Regulations 2013, Clause 8). Failure to comply with the requirements of the amended Regulations may result in civil or criminal consequences. For instance, submitting false information in an application for the Medal is an offence under the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Act 1986 (Cth) (Regulations 2013, Clause 9). The maximum penalty for this offence is a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to two years, or both (Regulations 2013, Clause 10). Furthermore, any person who knowingly makes a false statement in an application for the Medal may also be subject to disciplinary action by their employing police force (Regulations 2013, Clause 11). The seriousness of any disciplinary action will depend on the nature and extent of the false statement and the circumstances of the offence.