History
For three decades the police, fire, ambulance and emergency services each had a distinguished service medal while corrections had none. The Australian Corrections Medal, introduced on 19 June 2017, closed that gap: it is awarded for distinguished service by an operational member of an Australian state or territory civilian correctional service for adults, recognising the prison officers, supervisors and specialists whose work is carried out largely beyond public view.
Awards are made by the Governor-General on the nomination of the responsible minister in each jurisdiction, within an annual quota of one medal for every thousand full time members, or thousand part time members, of each correctional service, announced in the Australia Day and King's Birthday honours lists. Recipients are entitled to the post-nominal ACM.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The Australian Corrections Medal is circular, in nickel-silver. The obverse carries the Federation Star with the scales of justice at its centre, set against a backdrop of Australian wattle.
The ribbon
Blue at the centre, flanked by white and mustard green.
The 32 millimetre ribbon features a central band of blue flanked by white and mustard green stripes.
Eligibility
The medal is awarded by the Governor-General on the nomination of the responsible minister in each state and territory, for distinguished service by an operational member of an Australian civilian correctional service for adults.
- The annual quota is one medal for every 1,000 full time members, or 1,000 part time members, of a state or territory correctional service;
- Awards are announced in the honours lists each January and June;
- Recipients are entitled to the post-nominal ACM.
Order of wear
The medal is worn among the Australian distinguished service medals for the police, fire, ambulance, emergency and correctional services, after the decorations and before the Imperial gallantry medals. The precise neighbours should be confirmed against the current Australian Order of Wear.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Australian Corrections Medal awarded for?
Distinguished service by an operational member of an Australian state or territory civilian correctional service for adults.
When was it created?
On 19 June 2017, making it the newest of the distinguished service medals for the civil services, thirty one years after the Australian Police Medal began the family.
How are recipients chosen?
Each jurisdiction nominates through its responsible minister, and the Governor-General makes the awards within an annual quota of one medal per thousand full time or part time members of each service.
What does the design show?
The Federation Star with the scales of justice at its centre, set against Australian wattle.
When are awards announced?
In the Australia Day and King's Birthday honours lists each January and June.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
Yes: ACM.