More than 30 people give evidence at the Valour Inquiry

The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator David Feeney, today welcomed news that the independent Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal heard from more than 30 individuals and groups at the first public hearings in Canberra.

Earlier this year, the Gillard Government directed the Tribunal to make recommendations about the eligibility of 13 naval and military members to receive the Victoria Cross, the Victoria Cross for Australia or other forms of recognition for past acts of military gallantry and valour.

“The Victoria Cross Inquiry panel will travel to Melbourne and then Launceston this week and hear evidence from more RSLs, historians and ex-servicemen and women,” Senator Feeney said.

“Some important ideas and concerns were raised at the Canberra hearings. 

“More than 30 witnesses in Canberra discussed how it can be problematic, both practically and constitutionally, to reach back into history and reconsider decisions already made about honours and awards.

“Some war service being considered by this Inquiry occurred as far back as 1915.  Therefore issues have been raised about the accuracy and availability of documentation and problems with hearsay. 

“This issue of quotas for medals was also raised at the Canberra hearings,” Senator Feeney said.

“Despite these challenges, I am sure that the independent Tribunal will continue to hear all evidence in an open and transparent manner,” the Senator said.

“I am sure that witnesses in Melbourne and Launceston are looking forward to the panel visiting them this week,” Senator Feeney said.

The Inquiry’s Terms of Reference can be found at: http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2011/04/16/parliamentary-secretary-for-defence-victoria-cross-inquiry/

Hearings start at 9am. The schedule of public hearings is as follows:

2011

2012

Media Contact: 

Senator Feeney Lorna Clarke 0408 345 730

Tribunal James Cannon 0433 884 238