History

The Public Service Medal was introduced on 18 October 1989 and is awarded to civil servants for outstanding service. This medal may be conferred upon members of the federal government, as well as state, territory, and municipal government employees.

In order to be eligible for the award, a potential candidate must have provided outstanding service to the public or internal clients, created innovative policies, programs, and projects, demonstrated leadership, or greatly increased productivity in the workplace in order to better serve the public.

Nominations are made annually by ministers in each state and territory, and the awards are issued by the Governor-General. The number of awards issued every year may not exceed the quota of 100, and each state/territory is limited to a quota (see below):

1) Commonwealth - 33
2) New South Wales - 22
3) Victoria - 17
4) Queensland - 11
5) Western & Southern Australia - 6 each
6) Tasmania - 3
7) Norfolk Island - awards made once every 3 years
7) Northern Territory - 2

The obverse of the medal features a wheel cog surrounded by the inscription ‘PUBLIC SERVICE’. The interior rim of the obverse has a border made up of thirty-six people, who represent the wide variety of occupations within the civil service. The reverse of the medal features the inscription ‘FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE’ surrounded by a wreath of mimosa. A Federation Star surmounts the medal and attaches to a suspension bar. The ribbon has alternating green and yellow stripes in various sizes.