Medal fit for a King

Published: 18 Jun 2024

Acting Chief Correctional Officer Matthew James has been awarded the Australian Corrections Medal (ACM) in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List.

The Australian Corrections Medal recognises distinguished service by an operational member of an Australian state or territory corrections service. It is a prestigious, meritorious award and is part of the Australian Honours and Awards system. NT Correctional Services is eligible to nominate only one person per year for consideration by the Governor-General.

With 16 years’ of experience at NT Correctional Services, Mr James has been recognised by his fellow officers for going above and beyond every day at the Darwin Correctional Centre (DCC) to ensure the safety and security of staff, prisoners and the community is maintained.

Mr James has demonstrated his commendable leadership, courage and duty of care to staff and prisoners. On the night of 13 May 2020, Mr James, a Correctional Officer First Class at the time, displayed exemplary valour and leadership beyond his rank as the officer-in- charge on nightshift when he led the immediate response to a major riot at the DCC. Mr James’ response to the situation set the standard for all officers to follow. After later handing over command when appropriate, he continued to lead his frontline officers on the ground to achieve a timely and safe conclusion to the incident.

“Mr James is a leader with excellent personal qualities and work ethic, which he combines with strategic thinking to achieve the best outcomes for staff and prisoners. Mr James is an outstanding representative of NTCS and the NT Government and exemplifies our NTCS values.” – Commissioner Matthew Varley