The ADM is a cupro-nickel medal with the stylised version of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms used on the Australia Service Medal 1939-45 surrounded by the inscription ‘THE AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE MEDAL’ above a sprig of wattle on the obverse. The reverse has the inscription ‘FOR SERVICE’ below the Crown of St Edward all surrounded by a wattle wreath. The use of the wreath acknowledges the sacrifice of those who have died in service or been discharged due to injury resulting from service, a secondary qualification for the medal.

The ADM ribbon is red with black edges, the colours of the Flanders poppy that represent the Anzac spirit of the Australian armed forces. The white stripes divide the ribbon into three, to denote the three Services and also represent service contributing to the peace of Australia .

The Australian Defence Medal recognises Australian Defence Force personnel who have efficiently completed either:

• an initial enlistment period, or

• four years service,

• whichever is the lesser, and all of the relevant service was after 3 September 1945.

Included are former Defence Force members who did not complete the qualifying period because they:

• died in service,

• were medically discharged (based upon individual circumstances), or

• left the service due to a Defence workplace policy of the time. (For example, in the past a woman was required to resign on marriage.)

World War II veterans are not eligible for the Australian Defence Medal unless they completed the qualifying service after 3 September 1945. The Australia Service Medal 1939-45 is the Australian award for the recognition of World War II service.