National Medal (Australia)

National Medal
Obverse of medal and ribbon
Type	Long service medal
Awarded for	A minimum of 15 years "eligible service", including an assessment of good conduct
Presented by	Australia
Eligibility	Operational members of specified organisations which serve or protect the community at hazard to themselves, including police, fire, ambulance, corrective services, emergency services and voluntary search and rescue services
Clasps	Awarded for each additional period of 10 years service
Status	Currently awarded
Established	14 February 1975; 49 years ago (14 February 1975)
Total	293,508 (30 June 2024[update])[1]
– 25 years – 35 years – 45 years Ribbon with Rosette(s)
Order of Wear
Next (higher)	Defence Long Service Medal[2]
Next (lower)	Australian Defence Medal[2]

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The National Medal is an Australian award given for long service by operational members of specified eligible organisations. It was introduced in 1975, as an original component of the new Australian honours system, and replaced a range of medals available to military and civilian uniformed services for long service and good conduct. The eligible groups have in common that their members serve or protect the community at the risk of death, injury or trauma, hence it is only available to members of the eligible organisations who are operationally deployed. In the case of corrective services, eligibility is restricted to officers with custodial duties.