The Department of Immigration is spending more than $1.3 million on medals for its staff, outspending the Department of Defence and prompting new concerns about the militarisation of the portfolio.

Government tender documents show the department has signed a contract worth $1,320,000 over three years with Melbourne-based company Cash's Awards and Promotion Solutions for medals.

"Not only are these medals costly but they demonstrate the government's intention to create a military style and culture within the Australian Border Force": Labor's waste watch spokesman Pat Conroy. Credit:Andrew Meares

The $440,000 a year contract was signed after an open tender process but appears more expensive than many of the comparable contracts available on the AusTender website.

For example, the department's previous six-month medal contract – with the Royal Australian Mint – cost just $48,000.