We respectfully petition the  Honourable Prime Minister of Australia and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Honours and Awards Secretariat, to formally recognise the vital service and exceptional dedication of Australian custodial correctional officers through the creation of a National Corrections Service Medal within the Australian Honours and Awards system.

Australian custodial correctional officers serve on the front lines of Australia’s justice system, working in often volatile, dangerous, and psychologically demanding environments. These officers play an essential role in maintaining public safety, rehabilitating offenders, and upholding the rule of law. They face daily risks to their physical and mental health, often without the same public recognition afforded to other front-line services. 

Currently, there is no nationally recognised service specific award that formally and consistently recognises the contributions of Australian custodial correctional officers across all jurisdictions. This absence of recognition stands in contrast to the critical nature of corrections work and the increasing complexity of custodial operations across Australia. The establishment of a National Corrections Service Medal would:

- Provide long-overdue national recognition of the professionalism, dedication, and sacrifice of correctional officers across Australia.

- Promote parity with other front-line service professions who are currently recognised by the Australian Honours and Awards system.

- Strengthen morale and pride within Australian correctional services.

- Encourage excellence and commitment among correctional staff through formal recognition of service.

We propose that the medal be established to recognise ethical and diligent service by Australian custodial correctional officers employed by state and territory corrective services. The medal would symbolise the respect, appreciation, and gratitude of the Australian people for the tireless work undertaken by these officers to support community safety and offender rehabilitation.

We call upon the Australian Government to initiate a formal review into this matter and to consider establishing a National Corrections Service Medal under the Australian Honours framework, in consultation with relevant correctional services agencies, unions, professional bodies, and the broader public. Your support in recognising the service of Australian custodial correctional officers who provide a vital role in protecting the community is both timely and just.