Public Transport Authority (PTA) transit officers who have a continuous service period of 15 or more years will now be eligible to receive a National Medal recognising their service to the community.
The National Medal is presented to operational staff members who serve and protect the community at the risk of death, injury or trauma. It is also presented to members of the Australian Defence Force, Australian police services, fire services, ambulance services and corrective services.
This level of recognition is a first for transit officers, with 33 transit officers immediately eligible for the award.
Many transit officers have also had careers in the police, military or other service, meaning their eligibility for the medal extends across roles.
On top of the National Medal, seven transit officers are eligible for the award of a medal clasp which is recognition of an additional 10 years of service.
The PTA has more than 350 highly-trained transit officers, transit supervisors and shift commanders who are tasked with keeping the network safe.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Transit officers play a critical role in keeping public transport passengers safe, so it is great to see them recognised at a national level.
"I congratulate each and every one of them for their dedication to the community, in what can at times be a very challenging role.
"Transit officers continue to be the PTA's most valuable resource when it comes to the safety and security of all public transport users."
