Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Trade) Share this | Hansard source

If we go back over the history of some of the steps around citations, in February 2018, I understand, the then Minister for Defence Personnel sought approval to make a number of amendments to defence honours and awards, including in relation to recommendations from inquiries via the Defence Honours and Awards Appeal Tribunal in 2014 and 2015 relating to the withholding and forfeiture of awards. In May 2018, the then Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister agreed to a full review of the relevant instruments. Following extensive drafting efforts in May 2020, the Minister for Defence recommended a range of changes to the Australian Operational Service Medal, the Australian Defence Medal and unit citations. Those were then given effect in accordance with the normal process in July 2020.

Senator Lambie, I guess the point of going through that history is that, in fact, it dates right back to 2015, when a full review of defence honours, awards, instruments and medals was undertaken. The review was undertaken in order to strengthen and expand the eligibility for certain awards, to reflect previously agreed recommendations of the reviews of tribunals, as I referenced, and to ensure consistency in terminology and definitions. They were the reasons for those changes. As I did last week, I want to make sure in relation to all of these matters that I restate very much the fact that our government, you and all members of this place, acknowledge the service and sacrifice of those who have served us, including in Afghanistan, and that the overwhelmingly vast majority have done so with pride, distinction and honour.