Victoria Cross Determination

Overview

The Victoria Cross Determination, enacted in 1991, was established to provide a definitive design and set of rules for the presentation of the Victoria Cross, Australia's highest military decoration for valour. This prerogative instrument was issued by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, William George Hayden, following approval from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The primary objective of this determination is to standardise the appearance and protocol of the Victoria Cross, ensuring it is presented with the utmost respect and uniformity. This includes detailed specifications for the medal's design, the ribbon from which it is suspended, its placement when worn, and how additional awards are recognised. By formalising these aspects, the Determination aims to maintain the prestige and significance of the Victoria Cross within the Australian honours system.

Scope and Application

The C2010Q00024 Prerogative Instrument, issued under the authority of the Governor-General, William George Hayden, pertains to the design specifications of the Victoria Cross, Australia's highest military honour for acts of valour. This instrument applies to the design and appearance of the Victoria Cross, its ribbon, miniature, and ribbon bar, as well as the rules governing its wear and order of precedence. The legislation specifies the precise measurements and design elements of the medal, including its dimensions, inscriptions, and the methods for recognising multiple awards. This Act applies to the Victoria Cross itself and the manner in which it is to be worn by recipients, detailing the ribbon width, miniature size, and how additional awards are to be indicated. The geographical scope of this Act is limited to the design and protocol surrounding the Victoria Cross, without explicit jurisdictional reach beyond the Commonwealth of Australia. The instrument does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, and it does not extend or restrict its application through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The main sections of the document detail the design and specifications of the Victoria Cross, as well as the regulations governing its appearance and wear. Section 1 provides the design specifications for the medal itself, including its dimensions and the details of the obverse and reverse sides (Section 1). The obverse features a Crowned Lion standing on the Royal Crown with the inscription “FOR VALOUR,” while the reverse bears the date of the act for which the Cross is awarded. Section 2 outlines the ribbon from which the Cross is suspended, which is a crimson ribbon measuring 38 millimetres in width (Section 2). Section 3 specifies the proper placement of the Cross, stating that it should be worn on the left breast whenever full-size orders, decorations, and medals are worn (Section 3). Section 4 describes the miniature version of the Victoria Cross, which is a half-size replica suspended from a miniature ribbon 16 millimetres wide (Section 4). Section 5 details the ribbon bar for the initial award, featuring a representation of the Cross that is 9 millimetres across and 9 millimetres high (Section 5). Finally, Section 6 explains how additional awards are recognised, through the attachment of a bar to the ribbon and the wearing of an additional emblem on the ribbon bar (Section 6). The Act imposes specific obligations and requirements on those who receive and wear the Victoria Cross. Recipients must adhere to the design specifications outlined in the document, ensuring that the medal and its miniature are accurate representations of the approved design (Section 1). The wearing of the Victoria Cross and its miniature is strictly regulated, with the Cross to be worn on the left breast during appropriate occasions (Section 3). The ribbon bar must also be worn correctly, following the guidelines provided (Section 5). Furthermore, for recipients of multiple awards, the Act mandates the proper display of additional awards by attaching a bar to the ribbon and wearing an additional emblem on the ribbon bar (Section 6). Breaches of the regulations governing the Victoria Cross can result in various consequences. While the document does not explicitly outline specific offences or penalties, it is clear that any deviation from the approved design or wearing guidelines could be considered a breach of protocol. Such breaches may lead to informal reprimands or other forms of sanction, although the precise consequences would depend on the context and severity of the breach. The importance of adhering to these regulations is underscored by the prestigious nature of the Victoria Cross, which is Australia’s highest military decoration for valour.