Meritorious Awards

Meritorious awards recognise outstanding and distinguished service by public servants, members of an Australian police force, fire, ambulance, corrections, intelligence or emergency service, or in support of outstanding work with an Australian Antarctic expedition.

Eligibility

The awards were created to recognise those occupations that provide services for the community, particularly in times of emergency or disaster. Historically, most nominees are people whose current service is inherently more hazardous than most other occupations. These awards recognise individuals who have performed service at a level above that which would be expected of someone in their position, or have made significant achievements.

Consistent with the intent of the various meritorious award Regulations, people who recently worked on the frontline with prolonged exposure to hazard in the service of the community, and who are now using their frontline experience to support others on the frontline, may be eligible for a meritorious award.

Administration

Nominations for meritorious awards are considered by a coordinating authority before being submitted to the responsible Commonwealth, State or Territory Minister or Premier. Members of the public cannot nominate someone for a meritorious award.

Recommendations are then submitted to the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General for assessment against eligibility criteria. Additional information is sought if necessary. The Governor-General considers the recommendations and approves the awards where applicable. 

Deadlines for submissions of meritorious award nominations from coordinating authorities are:

1 March for The King’s Birthday Honours List
1 September for the Australia Day Honours List

Announcement

Awards are announced on Australia Day (January 26) and The King's Birthday (the second Monday in June). The Australian Antarctic Medal is announced on 21 June.

Details

Details on each award can be found in the links below, as well as in the Meritorious Awards Booklet, which includes:

history, eligibility and nomination details
Letters Patent, Regulations and Determinations
images and descriptions of what each award looks like; and
guidance on how decorations are worn.

	The Public Service Medal (PSM) recognises public service employees, including those of the Australian Government and state, territory and local governments, who have given outstanding public service.
	The Australian Police Medal (APM) recognises distinguished service by a member of an Australian police force.
	The Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) recognises distinguished service by a member of an Australian fire service.
	The Ambulance Service Medal (ASM) recognises distinguished service as a member of an Australian ambulance service.
	The Emergency Services Medal (ESM) recognises distinguished service as a member of an Australian emergency service.
	The Australian Corrections Medal (ACM) recognises distinguished service by an operational member of an Australian state or territory civilian corrections service for adults.
	The Australian Intelligence Medal (AIM) recognises distinguished service by individual members of the ten organisations that comprise the National Intelligence Community.
	The Australian Antarctic Medal (AAM) recognises outstanding service in scientific research or exploration in connection with an Australian Antarctic expedition.

Last updated May 2023