How to Make a Submission

  1. There is no prescribed format. However, to make submissions most useful we suggest:
    • the terms of reference of the inquiry can be a good guide to structuring a submission;
    • if the submission is longer than a few pages, please include a summary at the front; and
    • a cover sheet should be provided stating the name of the inquiry, the person or organisation making the submission, if an organisation is making the submission the position of the person making the submission, and contact details (postal and email address and phone number).
  2. A submission may be as short or as long as you like. It may contain facts, opinions, arguments or recommendations. It may cover all of the points in the terms of reference or only some of them, depending on what interests you. If you rely in your submission on other documents, these should be attached.
  3. As a minimum a submission should contain the following (as appropriate):
    • relevant service or ex-service details;
    • a concise summary of the issue;
    • a statement of the facts;
    • a statement of what action or outcome is desired from the submission;
    • provision of as much relevant information as possible to provide a clear understanding of the submitter's understanding of the issue;
    • fully documented evidence in support of the submission;
    • details of any proposed witnesses; and
    • a statement that the submitter accepts that the submission may be passed in full to Defence or other appropriate authorities or any person in relation to whom comments are made for them to provide a response.
  4. If possible please provide submissions and attachments by email or on a computer disk (include a hard copy) in Microsoft Office Word 2003 format. Otherwise please type or write clearly in black ink on A4 paper. Photocopies of attachments are acceptable.
  5. Sensitive material and confidential information should be clearly marked. Such material should not be sent via email because it is not a secure medium.
  6. Make sure you sign the submission. E-mail submissions must include your name, phone number and postal address so that we can verify them.
  7. If the submission is from an organisation, say so clearly. Show the position in the organisation of the signatory and say who in the organisation authorised the submission.
  8. All submissions will be accepted in confidence. However the information provided in the submissions may be used as the basis for further research and clarification. If your submission reflects adversely on another person or organisation the Tribunal will send the comment to the other person or organisation so that they can reply. The content of a submission may be included in the Tribunal's reason for its decision.
  9. The Tribunal may reject a submission that is not relevant to its inquiry.
  10. The making of a submission does not give you a right to appear before the Tribunal at a hearing. However, the Tribunal may, in its discretion, invite you to give evidence to it. Guidance for those invited to appear before the Tribunal is available on the Tribunal website.
  11. Submissions should be posted to:

    Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal
    Locked Bag 7765
    Canberra Business Centre ACT 2610

    or emailed to:

    DHA.Tribunal@defence.gov.au