History
The Australian Defence Medal was established on 20 March 2006, with regulations gazetted on 30 March 2006. It recognises the efficient service of current and former Australian Defence Force Regular and Reserve personnel, including National Servicemen, who have served since 3 September 1945.
It gave recognition to a very large group who had served without qualifying for a campaign or long service award. Up to a million people are estimated to be eligible, and hundreds of thousands have been awarded, more than 240,000 by mid 2010 and over 340,000 by early 2022.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The Australian Defence Medal is a circular cupro-nickel medal. The obverse features a stylised version of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms, as used on the Australia Service Medal 1939-1945, with a sprig of wattle, inscribed THE AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE MEDAL. The reverse is ensigned with the Crown of St Edward and carries the words FOR SERVICE, surrounded by two sprays of wattle in blossom.
The ribbon
Red with black edges for the Flanders poppy and the Anzac spirit, divided into three by white for the three Services.
The ribbon is red with black edges, the colours of the Flanders poppy, representing the Anzac spirit of the Australian armed forces. Two white stripes divide the red into three, to denote the three Services and to represent service contributing to the peace of Australia.
Eligibility
The medal is awarded by the Governor-General. To qualify, a member must have either completed an initial enlistment period, or served four years, whichever is the lesser, with the qualifying service completed after 3 September 1945.
- Qualifying service is an initial enlistment period or four years, whichever is the lesser;
- Provisions exist for members whose service was cut short by a non-compensable medical discharge, or by a prevailing discriminatory Defence policy;
- Second World War veterans are not eligible unless they completed qualifying service after 3 September 1945.
Order of wear
The precise neighbours in the order of wear should be confirmed against the current Australian Order of Wear.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Australian Defence Medal?
A service medal recognising current and former ADF members who completed an initial enlistment period or four years of service since 3 September 1945.
When was it established?
On 20 March 2006, with regulations gazetted on 30 March 2006.
How much service is required?
An initial enlistment period, or four years, whichever is the lesser, completed after 3 September 1945.
Are there provisions for shortened service?
Yes. Determinations provide for those whose service was cut short by a non-compensable medical discharge, or by a prevailing discriminatory Defence policy.
Are Second World War veterans eligible?
Only if they completed qualifying service after 3 September 1945. Second World War service itself is recognised by the Australia Service Medal 1939-1945.
Does it have clasps?
No.