The Statutes for the National Medal have been amended on several occasions, most notably in 1982 when the medal was replaced for members of the ADF with the Defence Force Service Awards (DFSA). Members of the ADF, both permanent and part time, remain eligible for the National Medal as a result of service, either full or part time, with other eligible non-ADF organisations.
The National Medal is a bronze medal. The obverse shows the Arms of the Commonwealth of Australia within a rim carrying the inscription 'THE NATIONAL MEDAL FOR SERVICE'. The reverse is plain.
The National Medal ribbon has 15 alternating gold and blue stripes. The colours were the national colours of Australia at the time of introduction.
The clasp to the National Medal is a bronze bar having 10 raised hemispheres. When the ribbon is worn alone, the award of a clasp is indicated by a ribbon emblem in the form of a representation of the medal. An additional emblem is added for each clasp awarded.
The NM may be awarded to members of the ADF, Police Force, Fire Service, Ambulance Service, Corrective Services and the Australian Protective Service. For members of the ADF, a member must have completed 15 years remunerated and efficient service (prior to 20 April 1982) and be serving on or after 14 February 1975. Eligibility for the award of the medal and Clasps to members of the ADF ceased on 19 April 1982.
Web page last updated 20 January, 2012