The National Medal is an Australian award given for long service by operational members of specified eligible organisations.

At the same time, it was made explicit that service would be taken into account for the award regardless of whether it was full-time or part-time, paid or unpaid.

In 1999, the regulations governing the National Medal were completely revised and re-issued by Letters Patent to modify many points of eligibility, and to allow the addition of government and voluntary search and rescue organisations without the need to seek amendments to the Letters Patent by the monarch.

[3] The National Medal recognises those who put themselves at risk in the service of the community, or in the course of enforcing the law to protect persons and property.

Where a person's eligible service spans several organisations, it is the current, or most recent chief officer who makes the recommendation.

Organisations periodically submit schedules of multiple awards to Government House rather than sending them one at a time.