PM Transcripts

PRIME MINISTER
FOR MIEDlIA 23January 1990
EMBARGO lAM1 26 JANUARY 1990
The establishment of a new award in the Australian honours
system allows governments to officially recognise
outstanding service by public service officers and other
government employees.
The first recipients of the new award, the Public Service
Medal, are announced in the Australia Day Honours List.
They include nineteen awards for Federal Government
officers. The Queen recently approved the establishment of the Public
Service Medal on the recommendation of the Government. The
formal regulations for the Medal provide for the
Commonwealth and other governments to make recommendations
for the Medal to the Governor-General.
The dedication, competence and integrity required of public
servants are not always fully appreciated. These qualities
are vital to the community. Public servants serve the
Government and the community in many ways. Their work and
advice for instance, in economic and financial policy,
trade negotiations, or overseas representation can
affect the well-being of the whole community and
Australia's standing in the world. Their commitment and
ability in delivering services can affect the well-being
of individuals in the community. It is in the
nation's interest to have a professional, effective and
highly-motivated public service.
This new award provides a tangible means for governments to
express formal recognition of outstanding and meritorious
service performed for the community and the nation
generally. Officers receiving the first awards on the recommendation
of the Commonwealth Government cover a wide representation
of employees from Administrative Service Officer Class 2 to
Senior Executive Service Level 4 Officers. The of ficers
serve in most States and Territories. Five are women.
The Medal carries an entitlement to the use of the post
nominals " PSM" 1.
Departments and authorities aro encouraged to make
nominations for the PSM. A Committee chaired by the Public
Service Commissioner advises the Minister Assisting the
Prime Minister for Public Service Matters, the Hon Peter
Morris M. P, on all nominations. Mr orris, on behalf of the
Government, makes formal recommend.. ions for the PSM to the
Governor-General.