National Medal

Significance

The National Medal recognises long and diligent service by members of recognised organisations that help the community during times of crisis.

This includes government organisations such as ambulance, correctional, emergency, fire and police forces, and voluntary organisations such as lifesaving or search and rescue groups.

The National Medal is Australia’s most awarded civilian medal.

History

The National Medal was established in 1975 as one of the first three elements of the Australian honours system.

When the medal was first introduced it recognised 15 years of diligent service by members of the Australian Defence Force, Australian police forces, and fire and ambulance services.

In 1982, eligibility changed. The Defence Force Service Awards were introduced recognising long service in the Australian Defence Force. Eligibility for the National Medal progressively expanded to include people who had participated in part-time and volunteer service, members of the Australian Protective Service and correctional and emergency services.

In 1997 the government commissioned a review of the National Medal. Two significant features were added:

  • eligibility was extended to include members of qualifying volunteer search and rescue groups
  • provision was made for an individual’s service to be aggregated more easily across different qualifying organisations

The new regulations were formally introduced on 18 June 1999 by Letters Patent.

Past recipients

Read about Mr Bruno Lablack who was awarded the National Medal in 1998 for his volunteer service to the South Australian Ambulance Service.

Search the Australian Honours List for past recipients of the National Medal.

View the numbers awarded for the National Medal.

How it is awarded

The Governor-General awards the National Medal. Nominations are made by the chief officer of the nominee’s organisation. The chief officer of each approved organisation also administers the medal for that organisation. If you consider you are eligible for the National Medal contact your chief officer.

The award recognises long service in approved organisations that protect life and property at some risk to their members.

Many, but not all, eligible groups are uniformed. Fifteen years’ service is required to qualify. Clasps are available for each additional ten years’ service.

Medal design

National Medal - front National Medal - back

National Medal - front and back

The National Medal is a circular bronze medal ensigned with the Crown of St Edward. The front of the medal features the Commonwealth Coat of Arms in a recessed circle. The rim of the medal carries the inscription ‘The National Medal’.

The back of the medal is plain.

The medal was designed by Mr Stuart Devlin AO CMG.

Medal ribbon

The 32 millimetre-wide ribbon features 15 alternating gold and blue vertical stripes.

Print fact sheet

The information on this page is available as a printable fact sheet.

More information

Please note there is no application form for the National Medal. Once a person has qualified they may approach their Chief Officer who has responsibility to make nominations to the Governor-General.
For detailed information about eligibility please refer to:-

Note: For more information on PDF files and their use see the PDF Help page on this site.

For more information about the National Medal contact:

Awards and Culture Branch
Department of the Prime Minister & Cabinet
PO Box 6500
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Australia

Telephone: 02 6271 5617
Fax: 02 6271 5662

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Last Updated: 24 August, 2009