Queensland State Emergency Service Operations Doctrine

Transcription

1 Queensland State Emergency Service Operations Doctrine Administration Business Management Directives Honours and Awards Version: 3.0 Valid from: 16/10/2012 BMA PURPOSE To provide details of the Honours and Awards available (hereafter referred to collectively as "awards"), and the criteria for each award and procedures for nomination. 2. RATIONALE This document has been created in order to detail information on awards including presentation ceremonies that are important events for both the recipient and the organisation. Awards are made as a result of a range of acts or activations including bravery, dedication to duty and service, protection of life and property and community engagement. 3. APPLICATION Applies to all State Emergency Service (SES) members and Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) staff. 4. OPERATIONS DOCTRINE INFORMATION The fundamental purpose of an awards system is to recognise and reward individuals for outstanding achievement, dedication and loyalty in the continued high performance of duty, long service and other acts worthy of recognition. All applicable national regulations are to be complied with. Complete regulations and information pertaining to national awards are available from the It s an Honour website which can be found at: This document provides sufficient guidelines for the effective administration of the SES Awards system. 5. PROCEDURAL INFORMATION All applications/nominations for awards and medals must follow the complete process for the particular award or medal. Any/all levels of signatory that do not support a particular nomination must provide details (attached to the nomination) of why it is not being supported. In the instance where an SES Local Controller s signature is required to support an award nomination for the SES Deputy Local Controller, and he/she is absent or unavailable, the nomination can be forwarded directly to the next level of signatory e.g. EMQ Area Director to continue the process. A minimum of 3 months should be allowed for processing of SES State award applications/ nominations whereas a minimum of 6 months should be allowed for the processing of national Page 1 of 18 Date: 16/10/2012 BMA 3.0

2 awards processed through Government House. Additional time will be required depending on the award and its required process. Nominations should be made through the SES Group Leader or Local Controller. If the nomination is for the SES Local Controller then nominations should be made to the EMQ Area Director. From time to time specific nominations for certain awards such as the Emergency Services Medal may be called. A summary of awards is contained in Appendix A. 5.4 NATIONAL AWARDS Nominations for national awards as detailed in this section, other than the National Medal or Clasp, are to be treated in a confidential manner THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA The Australian system of honours and awards was established in At this time The Queen approved the institution of the Order of Australia: 'an Australian society of honour for according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or meritorious service'. In the Australian honours system, appointments to the Order of Australia confer recognition for outstanding achievement and service. The Officer of the Order of Australia is awarded for distinguished service of a high degree to Australia or humanity at large. Nominations to the Order of Australia come directly from the community: either individuals or groups. Once a nomination has been submitted, the Honours Secretariat at Government House in Canberra conducts further research and contacts referees. The Council for the Order of Australia then considers the nominations (note this can take between 18 months and two years). The Council makes its recommendations, independent of government, direct to the Governor-General. Awards in the Order of Australia are publicly announced on Australia Day (26 January) and the Queen s Birthday (June). All four medals are a badge with a gold insignia of the Order in the centre. The central insignia is inscribed with the word Australia in gold capital letters. The circle also contains two gold sprigs of mimosa. The insignia is ensigned with the Crown of Edward in full colour. The medal is hung from the ribbon of the Order. It is royal blue with a central band of mimosa blossoms. (From left to right: Companion, Officer, Member and Medal) The Order of Australia includes: Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) Page 2 of 18 Date: 16/10/2012 BMA 3.0

3 Member of the Order of Australia (AM) Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). Any individual or organisation may nominate any Australian citizen for an award in the Order of Australia as follows: AC For eminent achievement and merit of the highest degree in service to Australia or to humanity at large AO For distinguished service of a high degree to Australia or to humanity at large AM For service in a particular locality or field of activity or to a particular group OAM For service worthy of particular recognition. Nominations may be made at any time. Refer to the It s an Honour website AUSTRALIAN BRAVERY AWARDS Australian Bravery Decorations recognise acts of bravery by members of the community. They selflessly put themselves in jeopardy to protect the lives or property of others. Bravery or courage differs from fortitude in a crisis situation. Bravery is a deliberate choice to go from a place of safety to danger or remain in a perilous position to provide help. There are four levels of decoration: Cross of Valour (CV) Star of Courage (SC) Bravery Medal (BM) Commendation for Brave Conduct (CBC). There is also the Group Bravery Citation award for a group of people involved in a single incident. (From left to right: Cross of Valour, Star of Courage, Bravery Medal, Commendation for Brave Conduct and Group Citation Bravery) The broad criteria are shown below: CV Awarded for an act of conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril Page 3 of 18 Date: 16/10/2012 BMA 3.0

4 SC Awarded for an act of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril BM Awarded for an act of bravery in hazardous circumstances CBC Awarded for an act of bravery that is considered worthy of recognition Group Bravery Citation Awarded to a group of people involved in a singe incident involving an act of bravery that is considered worthy of recognition. Anyone may nominate another person for a bravery decoration. The award may be given for a brave act carried out by an Australian citizen in Australia or overseas or by a citizen of another country carrying out a brave act in Australia. Nominations that relate to a person s service with SES are to be made to the SES Awards Committee via the EMQ Area, Region or State Headquarters. PROCESSING OF FOR BRAVERY/OUTSTANDING SERVICE The SES Awards Committee is responsible for the detailed administration of the SES Awards system including submissions to Government House, Canberra, as appropriate. The Secretariat is located at EMQ State Headquarters office, Kedron, Brisbane. Detailed advice on the preparation of nominations may be obtained from the It s an Honour website. Where it is considered that a person has performed service worthy of a specific bravery or service award, an appropriate report outlining the full circumstances and recommendation is to be submitted to the EMQ Area or Regional Office. In so nominating, the proposer should establish that the nominee's actions fit the relevant criteria, and submit a draft citation EMERGENCY SERVICES MEDAL The Emergency Services Medal recognises distinguished service by members of emergency services across Australia, and people who are involved in emergency management, training or education. State Emergency Services and voluntary emergency organisations are eligible for the award. The Emergency Services Medal was established in 1999 to given distinguished service as a member of an emergency service. Only one award is ever made to an individual. Service is distinguished if it were seen to demonstrate a high degree of resourcefulness and devotion to duty in a particular situation, or in the exemplary discharge of special duties, above and beyond normal work. Awards are announced on Australia Day (January 26) and the Queen s Birthday (June) each year. Each Australian emergency service organisation may award: One medal for every 1000 or part of 1000 full-time permanent members in every calendar year. One medal for every 5000 or part of 5000 part-time members, volunteers or auxiliary members. One additional award for that service, at the EMQ Assistant Director-General s discretion. Page 4 of 18 Date: 16/10/2012 BMA 3.0

5 Nominations to the Awards Secretariat via the EMQ Area or Regional Office must include a full citation name, address and two or three paragraphs (no more than 200 words) outlining why the nominee should receive this award. The citation may be used at the award ceremony. To ensure summaries are concise and present a true account of a nominee s service, the citation must be well researched, verified as correct and then processed promptly and handled confidentially. Refer to FBMA Emergency Services Medal Nomination. Nominations that relate to a person s service with SES or EMQ are forwarded by the EMQ Assistant Director-General via the Department s Director-General s office to the Minister for on forwarding via the Premier s Office. Nominations must be submitted to EMQ by October and May of each calendar year for on forwarding to the Governor- General by 1 January for the Queen s Birthday honours list and 1 June respectively for the Australia Day honours list each year NATIONAL MEDAL The National Medal was established in 1975 as one of the first three elements of the Australian honours system. When the medal was first introduced it recognised 15 years of diligent service by members of the Australian Defence Force, Australian police forces, and fire and ambulance services. In 1997 the government commissioned a review of the National Medal. Two significant features were added: eligibility was extended to include members of qualifying volunteer search and rescue groups and provision was made for an individual s service to be aggregated more easily across different qualifying organisations Eligible organisations are added to this list from time to time. Details of this procedure are available on the It s an Honour website. The award recognises long and diligent service by members of recognised government and voluntary organisations that risk their lives or safety to protect or assist the community in enforcement of the law or in times of emergency or natural disaster. 15 years service is required to qualify. Clasps are available for each additional 10 years service. It may be awarded to a person who has completed a period of 15 years service or periods of qualifying service that, in aggregate, amount to 15 years in one or more service. Queensland SES members must have been serving on or after 14 February Qualifying service is deemed by the Australian Government regulations as follows: qualifying service may have been full-time or part-time and paid or unpaid. Proof of any such service is required, and a copy must be forwarded with the award nomination. There is no age limit, provided the above criteria are satisfied. service shall not be taken into account if it is service in respect of another award made in recognition of long service, good conduct or efficiency by The Sovereign or the Governor-General. Page 5 of 18 Date: 16/10/2012 BMA 3.0

6 CLASP TO THE NATIONAL MEDAL A clasp may be awarded after each further period of 10 years qualifying service or periods of service that, in the aggregate, are not less than 10 years. SES members applying for the National Medal or clasp are to provide a completed application form to their SES Local Controller. Where necessary, evidence of service in other eligible organisations is to be provided with the application form. Refer to FBMA National Medal/Clasp Nomination. The SES Local Controller forwards nominations through the EMQ Area Director to the EMQ Regional Director or delegate for endorsement for recommendation by the EMQ Assistant Director-General. WEARING THE MEDAL Guidelines for wearing the National Medal are contained in a booklet presented with the award. The following additional guidelines apply to members of the SES: OFFICIAL DAY FUNCTIONS When attending official day functions such as ANZAC Day or Remembrance Day ceremonies the full-size medal is worn on the left breast of the authorised service uniform or civilian attire. The miniature medal is customarily worn after 5pm or when specifically requested. The Service ribbon may be worn on authorised uniform when the wearing of the full or miniature medal is not appropriate. Medals/ribbons are only allowed to be worn on overalls where a member is participating in an official SES capacity in an ANZAC march. Medals will not be worn on SES Overalls at any other occasion unless permission has been granted by the Director, SES Management and Support Services. For further information refer to Wearing of medals when in overalls later in this document. CHIEF OFFICER The EMQ Assistant Director-General as the designated Chief Officer under the National Medal Regulations 2011, has authority to approve nominations from the Queensland SES to the Governor-General NATIONAL EMERGENCY MEDAL The National Emergency Medal was introduced into the Australian Honours system in 2011 and is an operational service medal which recognises significant or sustained service to others in a declared nationally significant emergency, for example the floods and cyclone in Queensland in 2010 and Applications for the National Emergency Medal come directly from the community: either individuals or groups. Applications are forwarded to the Australian Honours and Awards Secretariat at Government House, which has the responsibility for the research and preparation of nominations. Nominations for significant service are considered by the National Emergency Medal Committee, which then makes recommendations to the Government-General. Page 6 of 18 Date: 16/10/2012 BMA 3.0

7 Only one medal can be awarded to an individual. Further awards are in the form of a clasp. There are no post-nominal entitlements. The Medal is worn in The Ordering of Wearing Australian Honours and Awards immediately after the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal. Refer to the It s an Honour website and for more detailed information NOMINATION TIMELINES Nominations for national awards must be processed in accordance with timelines established by the Commonwealth Government. Refer to Appendix A for details of the nomination timelines for the various awards. 5.5 REGIONAL LEVEL AWARDS Each EMQ Region is to form an EMQ Regional Awards Committee consisting of an EMQ staff member, SES member and an independent community member. This committee will determine the winners of the various EMQ Regional awards as listed below. Nominations for awards detailed in this section are to be treated in a confidential manner MEMBER OF THE YEAR The Regional Member of the Year award is for overall distinguished levels of service by an individual to the SES, including rescue or emergency and disaster response or levels of community engagement. Winners of the Regional Member of the Year award are automatically nominated for the State level Minister s Cup. Overall distinguished levels of service Contribution of the SES member to their SES Group, Unit, EMQ and/or community Outstanding initiatives by the SES member to increase: o Membership recruitment o Membership retention o Public awareness o Group/Unit effectiveness. Nominations are called for on an annual basis. SES Local Executives and/or the EMQ Area Director in consultation with EMQ Area staff, may nominate SES member/s that best satisfy the above criteria. Nominations are then recommended to the EMQ Regional Director or delegate. The successful nomination is then determined by the Regional Awards Committee. Refer to FBMA Regional Member of the Year Nomination. Page 7 of 18 Date: 16/10/2012 BMA 3.0

8 5.5.2 SES UNIT/GROUP OF THE YEAR The Regional Unit/Group of the Year award is for overall levels of SES Unit/Group efficiency, including rescue or emergency and disaster response or levels of community engagement that occurred during the relevant financial year time period. Winners of the Regional Unit/Group of the Year award are automatically nominated for the State level Director-General s Cup. Overall effectiveness of the SES Unit/Group Member recruitment, retention and development initiatives Learning and development programs Registered training organisation compliance criteria Stock control Public education and awareness of disaster management Interaction with other community and volunteer organisations Training exercises. Nominations will be called for on an annual basis. In consultation with EMQ Area staff, each EMQ Area Director nominates the SES Unit/Group from their area that best satisfies the above criteria. Nominations are then recommended to the EMQ Regional Director or delegate. The successful nomination is then determined by the Regional Awards Committee. Refer to FBMA Regional Unit of the Year Nomination OPERATIONAL RESPONSE OF THE YEAR The Regional Operational Response of the Year award is for effective and efficient operations during one major disaster event or emergency incident that occurred during the relevant financial year time period. An SES Unit or Group, or even a taskforce (personnel drawn from a number of SES Units) that operated exceptionally well can be nominated for this award. Winners of the Regional Operational Response of the Year award are automatically nominated for the State level Executive Director s Shield. Operational management Operational response Inter-service relationships Complexity of the operation Resource management Community benefits Operational reporting. Nominations will be called for on an annual basis. In consultation with EMQ Area staff, each EMQ Area Director nominates the SES Unit from their area that best satisfies the above criteria. Nominations are then recommended to the EMQ Regional Director or Page 8 of 18 Date: 16/10/2012 BMA 3.0

9 delegate. The successful nomination is then determined by the Regional Awards Committee. Refer to FBMA Regional Operational Response of the Year Nomination SES WEEK AWARD The SES Week Award is for SES members who have given a special contribution to the service. Examples include: Has completed a significant task for the SES Group to make life easier for other SES members; Has achieved special recognition for the SES Group; Has stood out from other SES members through his or her compassion, support, commitment, diligence or administration skills; and/or Participated actively in community engagement. Nominations are called for on an annual basis. SES Group Leaders should nominate SES members from their SES Group to be recognised for their special contribution or achievement during their SES career. Nominations are to be processed by the EMQ Area Director and recommended to the EMQ Regional Director or delegate. Successful nominations are then determined by the Regional Awards Committee. Successful nominations are limited to a maximum of 10 per EMQ Region. Refer to FBMA Regional SES Week Award Nomination. Winners of the Regional SES Week Award each receive a Regional Certificate. 5.6 STATE LEVEL AWARDS The SES Awards Committee has been established to manage recommendations of suitability to the Minister, DCS Director-General and EMQ Executive Director Operations for the following: The Minister s Cup Director-General s Cup; and Executive Director s Shield. The committee shall consist of: Director, SES Management and Support Services Chairperson Executive Manager, Education and Training Services Principal Program Officer, SES Management and Support Services; and Independent community person (optional). The committee shall meet when required and upon request by the Chairperson. All nominations for applicable awards must be received by the committee within identified timeframes. With the exception of the Meritorious Service Medal, nominations for awards in this section are to be treated in a confidential manner. Page 9 of 18 Date: 16/10/2012 BMA 3.0

10 5.6.1 THE MINISTER S TROPHY The Minister s Trophy is presented to the winning team of the Queensland State Rescue Competition, held every two years. Only teams that win their respective Regional competitions are eligible to enter the State Competition. The successful State team represents Queensland at the National Rescue Competition, which is held every two years THE MINISTER S CUP The Minister s Cup is an annual State level award for overall distinguished levels of service by an individual to the SES, including rescue or emergency and disaster response or levels of community engagement. Overall distinguished levels of service Contribution of the SES member to their SES Group, Unit, EMQ and/or community Outstanding initiatives by the SES member to increase: o Membership recruitment o Membership retention o Public awareness o SES Group/Unit effectiveness. Winners of the Regional Member of the Year award are automatically nominated for the State level Minister s Cup. Successful nominations are determined by the SES Awards Committee THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL S CUP The Director-General s Cup is an annual State level award for overall distinguished levels of SES Unit/Group efficiency, including rescue or emergency and disaster response or levels of community engagement. Overall effectiveness of the SES Unit/Group Member recruitment, retention and development initiatives Learning and development programs Registered training organisation compliance criteria Stock control Public education and awareness of disaster management Interaction with other community and volunteer organisations Training exercises. Winners of the Regional Unit of the Year award are automatically nominated for the State level Director-General s Cup. Successful nominations are determined by the SES Awards Committee. Page 10 of 18 Date: 16/10/2012 BMA 3.0

11 5.6.4 THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR S SHIELD The Executive Director s Shield is an annual State level award for distinguished, effective and efficient operations during one major disaster event or emergency incident. Operational management Operational response Inter-service relationships Complexity of the operation Resource management Community benefits Operational reporting. Winners of the Regional Operational Response of the Year award are automatically nominated for the State level Executive Director s Shield. Successful nominations are determined by the SES Awards Committee AUSTRALIA DAY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS The Australia Day Achievement Awards are a proud part of the Department of Community Safety s (DCS) tradition since Australia Day Achievement Medallions, Australia Day Appreciation Certificates and the ZEROharm Excellence in Safety Leadership Award are presented. The Australia Day Achievement Medallion is presented to DCS staff and volunteers who have gone over and above the course of duty to provide a significant contribution or support to the delivery of emergency and correctional services in Queensland. It rewards individuals who have made a significant difference to their community, their country or at an international level. It rewards those who encourage the highest community standards and values The Australia Day Appreciation Certificate recognises businesses (external to DCS) that have provided outstanding support to the Department over a period of time. They are also presented to supportive employers (external to DCS) that have demonstrated a consistent commitment to auxiliary staff and volunteers attending emergency service callouts. DCS staff or volunteers are not eligible for this award. The ZEROharm Excellence in Safety Leadership Award is presented to DCS staff and volunteers that have provided a significant contribution either to, or in support of, the improvement of workplace health and safety within their work area over the past 12 months. It recognises excellence in Safety Leadership and the demonstrated ability to embrace a safety culture where the ultimate goal is ZEROharm - all injuries are preventable. This award has two categories, the Volunteer Category and the DCS Staff Category. Nominations are not limited to managers or workplace health and safety staff. SES members or other DCS Officers can nominate any SES member or DCS staff member for an Australia Day Achievement Medallion and/or the ZEROharm Page 11 of 18 Date: 16/10/2012 BMA 3.0

12 Excellence in Safety Leadership Award. Similarly any SES or other DCS Officer can nominate a business or organisation for an Australia Day Achievement Certificate. Nominations will be called for on an annual basis (approximately three (3) months before Australia Day) and should be sent to the EMQ Area Office within the timeframes specified. The EMQ Area Office will check the spelling (nominations must be in the person s full name) and forward nominations to the EMQ Regional Director or delegate for endorsement to the SES Awards Committee. Nominations are also endorsed by the EMQ Assistant Director-General before being considered at a departmental level. Note: nominations may not progress through all stages. Awards are presented on Australia Day the following year. Note: Nomination forms are available from the EMQ Area Office. AWARD RECIPIENTS A letter of congratulations from the DCS Director-General is sent to recipients and includes details of the respective regional presentation ceremony. At the ceremony, recipients receive their award (medallion or certificate) and an accompanying letter from the Minister. MEDIA RELEASES Media releases about all of the ceremonies are released from the Minister s office or DCS Media during the week of the ceremonies. A copy is forwarded to regional ceremony organisers to assist with any media enquiries on the day of the presentation OUTSTANDING SERVICE CERTIFICATE The Outstanding Service Certificate is issued to recognise exceptional service by SES members in the areas of: Training; Operations; and/or SES Unit or Group management. To be eligible, SES members must actively participate in the Queensland SES and have performed above and beyond the normal requirement of SES members. SES Local Controllers should submit nominations to the SES Awards Committee via the EMQ Area Director. Refer to FBMA Outstanding Service Certificate Nomination. In order for the nomination to be considered, it needs to include: A clear description of what the nominee has achieved; A positive recommendation by the EMQ Area Director; and A positive recommendation by the EMQ Regional Director or delegate. The Director, SES Management and Support Services approves awards to eligible SES members based on the facts provided and State Headquarters records. EMQ Area Directors, EMQ staff and SES Executives may also nominate SES members for this award. Page 12 of 18 Date: 16/10/2012 BMA 3.0

13 5.6.7 MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL The Meritorious Service Medal is a State level award that recognises dedicated service by volunteer members of the Queensland SES. The award is made for regular and effective participation in the Queensland SES for a period of 10 years active service (SES service in other States and Territories is not eligible). SES members who are no longer active, but have met the requirements for award of the medal, are eligible to apply. The next of kin of a deceased SES member may apply for the posthumous award of the medal. CLASP TO THE MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL Additional service above the initial 10 years will be acknowledged by the issue of a bar to the Service Medal for each increment of 5 years service e.g. 15 years service is represented by the medal and 15 year clasp, 20 years service is represented by the medal and 20 year clasp. As the clasp indicates the total number of years of service, clasps will need to be replaced as they are awarded. Where the initial award to a recipient includes a clasp, EMQ will attach the clasp prior to presentation. However, when a person has already been awarded their medal (and possibly clasp) it will be the responsibility of the recipient to have any future clasps attached or replaced. SES Local Controllers submit nominations to the EMQ Area Director. SES Local Controllers should forward nominations as SES members become eligible. SES Local Controllers must certify that the nominee has participated regularly in SES activities for the required period, demonstrated consistent active interest and has agreed to the nomination. Nominations should be sent to the EMQ Area Office. The EMQ Area Office will check the spelling (nominations must be in the person s full name) and forward nominations to the EMQ Regional Director or delegate for endorsement to the Director, SES Management and Support Services. The Director, SES Management and Support Services approves nominations to eligible SES members. Refer to FBMA Meritorious Service Medal/Clasp Nomination. WEARING OF THE MEDAL The Meritorious Service Medal is a State level award and does not form part of the Australian Honours Award System. The Medal, Ribbon and Miniature are worn on the right side. When wearing SES walking out dress, the ribbon should be displayed directly above the right pocket and pinned centrally. The official Nametag should be worn below the ribbon. Page 13 of 18 Date: 16/10/2012 BMA 3.0

14 OFFICIAL DAY FUNCTIONS When attending official day functions, such as ANZAC Day or Remembrance Day ceremonies, the full-size medal is worn on the right breast of the authorised service uniform or civilian attire. The miniature medal is customarily worn after 5pm or when specifically requested. The Service ribbon may be worn on authorised uniform when the wearing of the full or miniature medal is not appropriate. Medals/ribbons are only allowed to be worn on overalls where an SES member is participating in an official SES capacity. Medals must not be worn on SES overalls during training or operational duties or on any other occasion unless permission has been granted by the Director, SES Management and Support Services. REGISTER OF AWARDS The Director, SES Management and Support Services maintains a register of the names of each person awarded a medal. EMQ Area Office and SES Group records should also be maintained. EMQ Executives and other supervisors may also nominate any registered SES member for the award SES DIRECTOR S COMMENDATION The SES Director s Commendation is awarded for outstanding performance during a rescue or disaster or emergency incident when a more formal recommendation for recognition in the Australian Honours System (Bravery) is not appropriate. This award is to be issued as soon as possible after the event occurs. The SES Local Controller forwards the nomination to the EMQ Area Office for checking, endorsement and forwarding to the EMQ Regional Director or delegate. The EMQ Regional Director or delegate provides endorsement to the SES Awards Committee. The Director, SES Management and Support Services approves nominations to eligible SES members based on the facts provided and State Headquarters records. The SES Director s Commendation is to be presented by an EMQ nominated dignitary. Refer to FBMA SES Director s Commendation CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION A Certificate of Appreciation gives recognition to volunteers, organisations and individuals other than SES members who have provided exceptional support for the SES. This could be demonstrated by: A history of support for the SES by providing donations or use of facilities or equipment; or Services provided to the SES by a non-member. It is not issued to members of statutory organisations such as police, fire or ambulance services, involved in an incident or activation. Discretion is required in the use of Certificates of Appreciation. A letter of appreciation may be more appropriate than a formal certificate for example, to the local pizza Page 14 of 18 Date: 16/10/2012 BMA 3.0

15 store for providing food during an operation. The recipient can then display this letter proudly as an appropriate reward. Citations should be prepared in draft for the Director, SES Management and Support Services approval. Any request to award a Certificate of Appreciation should contain as much background information as possible so that a DCS Media Officer is able to write a press release on the award for issue from the Minister s Office. Here is an example citation: Certificate of Appreciation to: ACME Engineering Pty Ltd for continuous support to the State Emergency Service Group during the past five years. The management of ACME Engineering has, without hesitation, permitted SES members who are employees of ACME time to participate in SES operations and training activities. In addition, they have provided material support in the construction of the group s new building. SES Groups may wish to include the name of the manager of ACME Engineering, for example, or any other relevant details. The press releases will be sent to the SES Group s local newspaper, so local references are important. An SES Local Controller, EMQ Area Director, or State Headquarters Officer can recommend the award of a Certificate of Appreciation. A recommendation should be submitted on the Certificate of Appreciation Recommendation form. The form should be sent to the EMQ Area Office for on forwarding to the EMQ Regional Office. The EMQ Regional Office will then endorse the recommendation and forward to the Director, SES Management and Support Services for approval. Refer to FBMA Certificate of Appreciation Recommendation. 6. ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION 6.1 POSTHUMOUS AWARDS All awards, except for the Public Service Medal, may be granted posthumously. 6.2 POST NOMINALS Personnel bestowed with an award which has a post nominal listed in Extract from the Australian Order of Precedence of Honours and Awards are entitled to list that post nominal after their name when the use of such letters is customary. 6.3 HANDLING With the exception of Meritorious Service awards, all correspondence on awards is to be marked "CONFIDENTIAL" and handled accordingly. This is intended to protect the interests of all concerned and not develop undue expectations. In general, SES members should not be advised that they are under consideration for an award, other than the Meritorious Service Medal or the National Medal. 6.4 POSITIONING OF RIBBONS ON SERVICE UNIFORMS All national service ribbons are to be mounted on the appropriate bar that is 10mm in height. They are to be worn so that the bottom edge of the ribbon is 2mm above the line of the left Page 15 of 18 Date: 16/10/2012 BMA 3.0

16 breast pocket. Previous awards of ribbons/service bars for wearing on the right breast are to conform to the same measurements. Service ribbons for State awards are worn on the right side. 6.5 PRECEDENCE Protocol must be followed in relation to the wearing of medals and the order that medals must be worn. For details on how to wear most Australian medals and the order of precedence - refer to the It s an Honour website. 6.6 WEARING OF MEDALS WHEN IN OVERALLS Medals must be worn in accordance with their relevant protocol. 6.7 AWARD PRESENTATIONS Award presentations are to be organised by the EMQ Area Office. Where an invitation is to be sent to the Minister, SES Local Controllers will need to provide EMQ Area Office with up to date background information regarding the recipient(s). This information is to include: the role of the recipient(s) in the SES Unit/Group; length of service; training accomplished; operational involvement; and other appropriate background information. If the Minister is not able to attend the function/activity, he may nominate a representative from among his parliamentary colleagues or from the Department. 7. FORMS AND TEMPLATES FBMA Emergency Services Medal Nomination FBMA National Medal/Clasp Nomination FBMA Regional Member of the Year Nomination FBMA Regional Unit of the Year Nomination FBMA Regional Operational Response of the Year Nomination FBMA Regional SES Week Award Nomination FBMA Outstanding Service Certificate Nomination FBMA Meritorious Service Medal/Clasp Nomination FBMA SES Director s Commendation Nomination FBMA Certificate of Appreciation Recommendation Nomination forms for National Awards (other than the Emergency Services Medal) can be obtained from the Honours Secretariat, details as follows: Honours Secretariat Government House CANBERRA ACT 2600 Ph: APPENDICES Nil Page 16 of 18 Date: 16/10/2012 BMA 3.0

17 9. RELEVANT LEGISLATION, POLICY AND GUIDELINES The Order of Wearing Australian Honours and Awards (Full details regarding Australian Honours and Awards can be found on the Honours and Awards website: Information Privacy Act 2009 QSES Meritorious Service Medal Brochure QSES BMA 6.0 Information Privacy 10. DOCUMENT REVIEW This document will be reviewed every 18 months or as otherwise required as a result of identified legislative, policy and/or procedural changes. Original Signed Bruce Grady Assistant Director-General Emergency Management Queensland Page 17 of 18 Date: 16/10/2012 BMA 3.0

18 AWARD/NOMINATION SUMMARY APPENDIX A NAME OF AWARD AWARD DESCRIPTION SUMMARY NOMINATION FORM ELIGIBILITY FREQUENCY OF NATIONAL AWARDS Emergency Services Medal The Order of Australia Australian Bravery Awards National Medal National Emergency Medal SES STATE AWARDS Regional SES Week Awards State SES Week Awards Australia Day Achievement Awards Outstanding Service Certificate Distinguished service by members of emergency services across Australia, and people who are involved in emergency management, training or education. Recognition for outstanding achievement and service. Acts of bravery by members of the community. Long and diligent service by members of recognised organisations that help the community during times of crisis. Recognises significant or sustained service to others in a nationally significant emergency. Overall distinguished levels of service by an SES member, SES Unit/Group and SES Operation. Overall distinguished levels of service by an SES member, SES Unit/Group and SES Operation. Excellence and distinguished service in their particular field. Exceptional service by SES members in training, operations and Unit/Group management. FMBA Emergency Services Medal Nomination Refer to the itsanhonour.gov.au website FMBA National Medal/Clasp Nomination Refer to the itsanhonour.gov.au website FBMA Member of the Year FBMA Unit of the Year FBMA Operational Response of the Year FBMA SES Week Award Nomination N/A (Based on Regional SES Week Award nominations) Available from EMQ Area Office FBMA Outstanding Service Certificate Nomination Meritorious Service Medal Dedicated service to the Queensland SES. FBMA Meritorious Service Medal/Clasp Nomination SES Director s Commendation Outstanding performance during a rescue or disaster or emergency incident. FBMA SES Director s Commendation Certificate of Appreciation Exceptional support for the SES. FBMA Certificate of Appreciation Recommendation SES Members SES Members SES Members Supporters (not SES Members) Bi-annually Throughout the year Annually Throughout the year Page 18 of 18 Date: 16/10/2012 BMA 3.0