History
South Australia writes its service recognition in a consistent phrase: diligent and ethical service, the words on its police medal, and the standard this medal applies to the state's corrections workforce. The Department for Correctional Services runs South Australia's prisons and community corrections, and the medal recognises the employees whose years meet that standard, worn apart from the national honours among the department's own recognition.
The department's wider merit awards framework reaches from its Meritorious Service Medal, for outstanding service above and beyond paid employment, through commendations, team excellence and community partnership awards, with recipients honoured at annual ceremonies. The department holds the medal's detailed qualifying conditions, and current criteria should be confirmed with the Department for Correctional Services.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The department does not publish a formal design description for the medal; the pattern supplied is the current issue, and the photographs above show its obverse and reverse.
The ribbon
The current South Australian issue.
The ribbon follows the pattern of the current issue, shown above.
Eligibility
The medal recognises diligent and ethical service by employees of the Department for Correctional Services.
- The department administers the medal's qualifying conditions; current criteria should be confirmed with the Department for Correctional Services;
- The department's merit awards framework also includes its Meritorious Service Medal and a range of commendation and excellence awards;
- The medal sits outside the national honours system and carries no post-nominal.
Order of wear
Corrective services awards do not form part of the Australian honours system. They are worn separately from the national honours in accordance with the agency's dress policy, and on civilian racks they are mounted as a distinct group apart from the official awards.
Frequently asked questions
What is the SA Correctional Services Diligent and Ethical Service Medal awarded for?
Diligent and ethical service by employees of South Australia's Department for Correctional Services, with the detailed qualifying conditions held by the department.
What does the department cover?
South Australia's prisons and community corrections, from custodial officers to the staff who supervise offenders in the community.
What else does the department award?
A merit awards framework including its Meritorious Service Medal for outstanding service above and beyond paid employment, individual and team commendations, and excellence awards presented at annual ceremonies.
Is there a national equivalent?
The Australian Corrections Medal recognises distinguished service by operational corrections members within the national honours system; the two can be held together.
How is it worn?
Separately from the national honours, in accordance with the department's dress policy, and as a distinct group on civilian racks.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.