Minister for Home Affairs - Media Release Sunday 14 December 2008 NEW POLICE MEDAL FOR DILIGENT SERVICE The Rudd Government has announced a new National Police Service Medal which will be awarded to State, Territory and Federal Police in recognition of long and diligent service. The Minister for Home Affairs, Bob Debus, said the medal recognised the special status police had because of their role protecting the community. ?This new medal shows our continuing support for the work done by the 50,000 men and women who place their own safety at risk to protect our quality of life, security and freedom. ?I would also like to acknowledge the work done by the Police Federation of Australia, which consistently raised the issue with me on behalf of its members,? Mr Debus said. Cabinet Secretary, Senator John Faulkner, said the Queen had approved the establishment of a separate medal in the Australian honours system. ?Recognition for police service since the establishment of Australia?s national system of honours and awards in 1975 has been through the National Medal. ?The National Medal will continue to recognise long and diligent service by members of organisations that help the community during times of crisis, including fire, ambulance, emergency and voluntary search and rescue organisations,? Senator Faulkner said. The Chief Executive of the Police Federation of Australia, Mark Burgess, said the decision would be welcomed by members. ?It is a tangible acknowledgement by the Government of the unique role that police officers play in the preservation of peace, the protection of life and property and the maintenance of law and order throughout Australia,? Mr Burgess said. Police will have to serve a minimum of 15 years to be eligible and consultation will now commence to determine the eligibility criteria and medal design. Eligibility for the award will commence 30 October 2008 and it?s expected the first awards will be made in the second half of 2009.