DEFENCE HONOURS AND AWARDS TRIBUNAL INQUIRY INTO RECOGNITION FOR SERVICE IN SOMALIA

The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM MP, announced today that the independent Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal will inquire into recognition of Australian Defence Force (ADF) service in Somalia between 1992 and 1995.

“I am pleased that the Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal will inquire into recognition for service in Somalia. This inquiry is another in a series of reviews into long-standing Defence honours and awards issues identified by the Australian Government in late 2007,” Dr Kelly said. 

As part of this inquiry, the Tribunal will consider the establishment of a campaign medal for service in Somalia, recognition for HMAS Tobruk and HMAS Jervis Bay and recognition for 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, Group.

A call for submissions will be released shortly in the national press.  Submissions to the inquiry close on Monday, 24 August 2009.

“Many people have raised issues concerning recognition for ADF service in Somalia and I would encourage them to now take advantage of this opportunity to make a submission,” Dr Kelly said.

The Tribunal can be contacted at:

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