Recognition for ADF members and families

THE Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal will consider recognition for members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) who are injured, wounded or killed in or as a result of their service, and their families.

Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said following preliminary consultation and advice from the Council of Women and Families United by Defence Service, it was now a matter for the Tribunal to examine.

“The Tribunal will undertake a broader consideration to acknowledge those who have been injured, wounded, or killed as a result of their ADF service, and the impact on their families,” Mr Chester said.

“The Tribunal is the independent, expert body established to consider Defence honours and awards and is the most appropriate body to consider recognition for ADF members and their families.

“I am also very grateful for the work of the Council of Women and Families United by Defence Service in its consideration for appropriate recognition.”

The Tribunal is an independent statutory body established to review decisions of the Department of Defence regarding Defence honours and awards, and, at the direction of government, inquire into Defence honours and awards matters.

The Chair of the Council of Women and Families United by Defence Service Gabby Costigan said the council had carefully considered the most appropriate recognition for the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

“We feel the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal consideration is extremely important and we encourage individuals and organisations to contribute to the Inquiry.”

The Tribunal will seek written submissions from ex-service organisations and government agencies, but anyone with an interest in this issue can make a submission to the Inquiry. Submissions to the Inquiry are expected to close in late March 2021 and further information can be found on the Tribunal’s website: https://defence-honours-tribunal.gov.au/