Monday, 18 May 2009
DEFENCE HONOURS AND AWARDS TRIBUNAL REPORT INQUIRY INTO ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE MEDAL
The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM MP, today announced that the has accepted the recommendations of the independent Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal report of the inquiry into the eligibility criteria for the Australian Defence Medal.
"The Australian Defence Medal (ADM) recognises Australian Defence Force (ADF) regular and Reserve personnel who have, within a set timeframe, demonstrated their commitment and contribution to the nation," Dr Kelly said.
"The release of the findings fulfills a key Rudd Labour Government election commitment. I am very pleased to announce that the Government has accepted the Tribunal's findings, and I have asked Defence to implement the recommendations."
In particular, the report recommends that applications for the ADM from ex-serving members who were medically discharged without a compensable injury or illness be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Following consideration of individual circumstances, a period of service shorter than four years or within their initial enlistment period may be deemed as efficient service for the purposes of the ADM Regulations.
The Tribunal has recommended no other changes to the eligibility criteria for the ADM.
"The release of the Tribunal's first report and the acceptance of the recommendations clearly demonstrate that Government's commitment to the independent review of long-standing Defence honours and awards issues," Dr Kelly said.
Ex-serving ADF members who believe they may now be eligible for the ADM should contact Defence Honours and Awards, toll free, on 1800 111 321.
The Tribunal's full report is available at www.defence-honours-tribunal.gov.au. Further information on Defence honours and awards is available at: www.defence.gov.au/medals/
Media contacts: Mark Sjolander (Dr Mike Kelly): 02 6277 4840 or 0407 102 220 Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664