Honours and awards

Honours and Awards recognise current and former employees of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for their outstanding contributions and service in protecting the Australian community and our international interests.

Employees of the AFP may be recognised through the Australian Honours System, the AFP Internal Awards Framework, international awards and awards from state and territory organisations.

Honours and Awards help define, encourage and reinforce national aspirations, values and standards by identifying role models from diverse backgrounds. They help strengthen the culture of the AFP. We publicly acknowledge, celebrate and formally appreciate the extraordinary commitment of those who deserve recognition, those who accomplish their best and those who serve others.

AFP Internal Awards Framework

The AFP Internal Awards Framework was established in 2003 to formally recognise employees who make significant contributions to the AFP. The awards framework includes Commissioner’s Honours and service awards and is the principal way the AFP recognises the service and achievements of employees and AFP partners.

Australian Honours System

The Australian Honours System was established in 1975. It replaced the British Imperial System of honours and awards that commenced in 1901.

Prior to 1992 Australians were eligible for awards under the British Imperial System. The first Australian Honours System awards appeared in 1975 with the establishment of the Order of Australia and the National Medal. Between 1975 and 1992 the Imperial awards were gradually phased out resulting in the Australian Honours System as it exists today.

Australian Honours System - medals

Public Service Medal

Australian Police Medal

Australian Intelligence Medal

Police Overseas Medal

Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal

National Emergency Medal

National Police Service Medal

National Medal

British Imperial Honours and Awards

The British Imperial Honours and Awards system commenced in 1901. Up until 1975 this was the framework where Australians were honoured for their service and achievements. Between 1975 and 1992, the Australian honours and awards system and the Imperial honours and awards system operated in parallel with the awarding of Imperial awards being gradually phased out in Australia.

British Imperial medals

Queen's Police Medal

Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal

Wearing Honours and Awards

National

The order of wearing honours and awards is determined by the Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia.

Modified version for AFP employees

Refer to a modified version of the order of wearing for honours and awards associated with AFP employees.

Awards from other Australian jurisdictions or organisations

Most awards from other Australian jurisdictions or organisations are pre-approved for wear.

You are required to complete the form Application to Wear Non-issued AFP Awards on AFP Uniform and send it to AFP Honours and Awards. Once approved, the award will be included in your personal records.

Foreign awards

Foreign awards can be worn but they must be approved for wear. The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia determines whether Australian citizens may accept and wear foreign awards on the basis of advice from the Prime Minister.