Monday, 20 April 2009

INQUIRY INTO RECOGNITION FOR SPECIAL AIR SERVICE REGIMENT DUTIES

The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM MP, today announced tha the Independent Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal will inquire into the recognition of Australian Defence Force (ADF) service for Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) counter terrorist and special recovery duties.

"I am pleased that the Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal will inquire into the recognition of SASR duties" Dr Kelly said.

"This new inquiry represents a continuation of reviews into long standing Defence honours and awards issues identified by the Government in 2007."

As part of this inquiry, the Tribunal will also consider the service of other ADF elements seconded to the SASR in the past, and those that fulfill current counter terrorist and special recovery responsibilities.

A call for submissions was released to the national press on Saturday, 18 April 2009. Submissions to the inquiry close on Monday, 18 May 2009.

"Many people have written to me concerning recognition for SASR duties and I would encourage them to now take advantage of this opportunity to make a submission to the Tribunal," Dr Kelly said.

The Tribunal can be contacted on:

Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal                                                                                             Locked Bag 7765                                                                                                                   CANBERRA BUSINESS CENTRE  ACT  2610

Or via email to DHA.Tribunal@defence.gov.au

The terms of reference for the inquiry and guidance on how to make a submission can be obtained at www.defence-honours-tribunal.gov.au

Media contacts:

Mark Sjolander (Dr Mike Kelly):    02 6277 4840   or   0407 102 220                                                Defence Media Liaison:                  02 6265 3343   or   0408 498 664