Public Service Medal

The Public Service Medal (PSM) recognises public service employees, including those of the Australian Government and state, territory and local governments, who have given outstanding public service.

The Public Service Medal was instituted in 1989 to recognise outstanding service by employees of the public service. Outstanding service can include service excellence, innovation, leadership and other achievements.

More information on the award can be found on the pmc.gov.au website and in the Meritorious Awards Booklet, which includes:

history, eligibility and nomination details
Letters Patent, Regulations and Determinations
images and descriptions of what each award looks like; and
guidance on how decorations are worn.

About Letters Patent, Regulations, Determinations, and Wearing

Each award in the Australian honours system has been approved by Letters Patent signed by The Sovereign on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. The Letters Patent institutes the medal and determines that the medal is governed by the Regulations for each award.

The Regulations are approved by The Sovereign and set out the terms and conditions of an award including factors such as eligibility criteria and designations of the award.

The Regulations also authorise the Governor-General to approve the manner of wearing of each award and the design of the medal. This document is known as the Determination.

The Determination makes reference to the:

Order of Wearing of Australian Honours and Awards - this is the notification by the Governor-General of the order the Sovereign has determined each award is to be worn; and
Guide to the Wearing of Insignia - this is a detailed guide outlining the appropriate manner in which insignia are worn.

Letters Patent:

Public Service Medal Letters Patent 1989 - 18 October 1989

subsequent letters patent that amend the regulations: