Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Hansard source

The government recognises the service of Australian fire and emergency management personnel who deploy overseas, who currently can be considered for the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal. The creation of a new award in the Australian honours system or significant changes to existing awards requires a strong case that national recognition is appropriate and that existing awards don't suffice. Australian honours are created by Her Majesty the Queen, and proposals for new awards generally require the support of the chief officers of the relevant organisations, relevant state and territory ministers and then the Prime Minister. The government is advising advocates for the new medal that they should gain the support of the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council and other stakeholders, which, if forthcoming, will be properly considered. Such awards are not the gift of the Senate although the government will note individual senators' views.

Question agreed to.