History

The Papua New Guinea Independence Medal was established in 1975 to commemorate Papua New Guinea’s independence from Australia.

There are three versions of the Medal. The first was instituted in 1975 and depicts the inscriptions, “ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA F.D.” and “PAPUA NEW GUINEA INDEPENDENCE 1975." It was awarded from 1973 to 1975 to members of the defence force and citizens in recognition of outstanding service. It features a ring suspension and a smooth surface.

The second version was instituted in 1985 in commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of independence. It was awarded to civilian and military personnel who have made a significant contribution to the State since independence. It depicts the inscription change, “PAPUA NEW GUINEA ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA F.D.” and “INDEPENDENCE 1975-1985." It also features a ring suspension and a smooth surface.

The third version was instituted in 2005. It depicts an obverse inscription that reads, “30TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY 1975-2005." It featuresn a bar suspension and a rayed surface.

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