Public Service Medal

Public Service Medal

The Public Service Medal is a prestigious Australian award that recognizes exceptional service and contributions by employees of the Australian Public Service, state, territory, and local governments. Established on 18 October 1989, this medal honors individuals who have made remarkable achievements in public service, policy development, leadership, and efficiency, leading to improved service delivery.

Eligibility for the Public Service Medal requires the following:

• Demonstrated outstanding service to the public, whether external or internal clients.
• Innovation in program, project, or policy development.
• Leadership qualities, including contributions made as a member of a team.
• Achievement of more efficient processes, improved productivity, or enhanced service delivery.

Australian Defence Force military members are not eligible for this award. However, Australian Public Service employees of the Department of Defence can be nominated for the Public Service Medal, with the Directorate of Honours and Awards available to assist with the nomination process.

The 38-millimeter-diameter medal features a nickel-silver design with the Federation Star. The obverse side displays four planetary gears around a central sun gear, along with the inscription 'PUBLIC SERVICE' surrounded by 36 human figures. The reverse side shows a mimosa wreath with the words 'FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE'.

The accompanying ribbon, 32 millimeters wide, has alternating green and gold stripes. The broadest stripes are positioned on the left and right sides of the ribbon, reflecting the national colors of Australia.

Unmounted Medals

If you order your medal unmounted, the medal and ribbon will be supplied as separate components. Miniature medals will be supplied with 15cm of ribbon and full size medals will be supplied with 30cm of ribbon.

Public Service Medal Full Size Court Mounted

The court mounting of medals involves securing medals to a stiff backing board, along with the placement of a brooch fitting on the board. This ensures that the medals remain firmly in place and do not shift or move about while being worn.

It is mandatory for active members of the Australian Defence Force to have their medals court mounted, as it is considered the appropriate method of presenting military honours in a professional and respectful manner. By doing so, the medals are given proper recognition and are displayed in a neat and organized fashion.

Public Service Medal Full Size Swing Mounted

The swing mounting of medals refers to the attachment of a medal to a ribbon that is allowed to hang freely from a brooch, which in turn is affixed to a uniform or clothing. This mounting style was commonly used for medals from the Boer War up to and including World War II, although there are no fixed guidelines or regulations regarding its use.

Public Service Medal Miniature Court Mounted

Miniature Court Mounted medals are mounted using the same method as Full size medals, yet they are typically worn to ceremonies were wearing full size medals would be impractical. These medals are commonly worn to all ceremonies that take place after 6 pm such as dinners.

Public Service Medal Miniature Swing Mounted

Miniature Swing Mounted medals are mounted using the same method as Full size medals, yet they are typically worn to ceremonies were wearing full size medals would be impractical. These medals are commonly worn to all ceremonies that take place after 6 pm such as dinners.

Public Service Medal Ribbon Bar

A ribbon bar is a small, rectangular display of ribbons worn on military uniforms to represent various honours and awards earned by the wearer. These ribbons are arranged in a specific order and are attached to a backing, which is then attached to the uniform. Ribbon bars are a compact and convenient way for military personnel to display their achievements and are often used in situations where a full-sized medal or award would be impractical.