A WANGI Wangi man is challenging a bureaucratic decision to deny him the National Police Service Medal.
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Alwyn Stuckey, 81, is adamant that he meets the criteria for the medal.
The Australian Honours and Awards Secretariat, which oversees the Australian awards system for the Governor General, has found that he doesn't.
For three years, Mr Stuckey has fastidiously researched the matter, built his case, and written courteous letters to politicians and bureaucrats respectfully seeking a review.
Some of his letters weren't even acknowledged, he said.
At issue is the eight years and five months Mr Stuckey spent serving in the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC).
"To qualify for the National Police Service Medal I had to have served for a period of 15 years in an Australian police force, and at least one day on or after the 14th of February, 1975, the date on which the medal was created," Mr Stuckey said.
He served in PNG from December 6, 1967, to May 5, 1976.
His work included leading the Port Moresby homicide, fraud and breaking squads.
Prior to serving in PNG, Mr Stuckey served with the Queensland Police Force for eight and a half years.
"My combined police service is 17 years," he said.
Mr Stuckey said the RPNGC was created as an Australian police force under the Papua New Guinea Act of 1949-54 and remained an Australian police force until the transition of powers when PNG became independent in September, 1975.
He said he was appointed to the role in PNG by Australia's Department of External Territories.
The Australian Honours and Awards Secretariat sees it differently.
A spokesperson told the Lakes Mail that in all decisions, the Australian Honours and Awards Secretariat must apply the conditions established in the regulations.
"The term 'Australian police service' is defined, for the NPSM, as a police service of a state or territory," the spokesperson said.
"The RPNGC is not included by that definition.
"The Australian Government ceded administrative control to PNG on 1 December, 1973, and ceased to guarantee the conditions of service of the RPNGC. This arrangement is reflected in the qualifying criteria for the National Medal, which are specific about RPNGC service."
The secretariat therefore considers Mr Stuckey has no service with an Australian police force on or after February 14, 1975, and is therefore ineligible for the medal.
Mr Stuckey said he would continue to push for a ministerial review. He estimated 140 fellow former Australian officers who served in PNG were in his corner.
