The Statutes for the National Medal have been amended on several occasions, most notably in 1982 when the medal was replaced for members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with the Defence Force Service Awards (DFSA).
 
Permanent and part time ADF members remain eligible for the National Medal as a result of full or part time service with other eligible organisations such as the Police Force, Fire Service, Ambulance Service, Corrective Services and the Australian Protective Service.
 
ADF members must have completed 15 years remunerated and efficient service (prior to 20 April 1982) and be serving on or after 14 February 1975. Eligibility for the award of the medal and clasps to ADF members ceased on 19 April 1982 for Defence service.