Directorate of Honours and Awards
Government to replace medals lost in natural disasters
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator the Hon David Feeney, today announced that the Government will relax the policy on replacement of Australian Defence Force (ADF) medals so that medals lost during the Queensland and Victorian floods, the impact of Cyclone Yasi and the fires in Western Australia can be replaced.
“Government policy for many years has been medals can only be issued to the ADF member who earned them,” Senator Feeney said.
“This usually means that medals cannot be replaced if they are lost or destroyed after the ADF member has died.”
Where medals are lost in natural disasters, however, this policy may be relaxed. This was done following the Victorian bushfires in 2009.
“While the Government is committed to maintaining the integrity of our system of military honours and awards, there are circumstances in which the Australian community rightly expects us to show greater flexibility in implementing the existing policy. I believe this unprecedented series of natural disasters is one of those circumstances,” Senator Feeney said.
“I have therefore decided that ADF medals may be reissued to the next of kin or other appropriate relative of deceased ADF members, if the medals have been lost or destroyed in the current natural disasters. Family members who have, in the course of these natural disasters, lost the medals of loved ones, may now make application for replacements.
“Unfortunately, however, only medals dating back to the First World War can be replaced. Medals for conflicts prior to this war are no longer in production.”
Applicants should use the application form and statutory declaration located on the Defence Honours and Awards website at: www.defence.gov.au/medals
Completed applications should be submitted to: Directorate of Honours and Awards
Department of Defence, PO Box 7952, Canberra BC, ACT 2610. Enquiries may also be directed to Defence Honours and Awards toll free on 1800 111 321.
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Monday, 14 February 2011
National Service Day – 14 February
280,000 Australians who undertook National Ser vice are remembered today on National Service Day.
Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, said today was a day to remember those who undertook National Service in two intakes between 1951 and 1959, and 1965 and 1972.
“On 14 February every year, National Servicemen, and their families, gather to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who were wounded or injured in action.
“’Nashos’, as they became known, served their country with honour. When called upon by their country, they served their nation proudly.
“Fittingly, the redeveloped Eastern Precinct of the Australian War Memorial now contains a Memorial to all ‘Nashos’. Unveiled last year, it is a dignified place of remembrance, reflection and contemplation within the grounds of Australia’s pre-eminent Memorial to the fallen.
Senator Ronaldson said Australians should not forget out ‘Nashos’.
“Australia’s ‘Nashos’ epitomise the best of the Anzac spirit – courage, determination, mateship and camaraderie. Their contribution to our nation has not been, nor will it be, forgotten.
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______________________________
Robert Hardie
Adviser
Office of Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson
Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs | Senator for Victoria
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