Fake gongs end in clink

PENALTIES for fraudulently claiming Defence service will increase 15-fold under legislation introduced into Parliament recently by the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Danna Vale.

“Our community holds veterans and serving personnel in the highest regard,” she said.

“Their service and sacrifice in Defence of our nation deserves protection from those who wrongly seek to claim the same honour and respect.”

Under the Federal Government’s proposals, the penalty for wrongly claiming to be a returned soldier, sailor or airman, or wearing medals to which an individual is not entitled, will increase from a $200 fine to a maximum penalty of $3300 and up to six months imprisonment.

Ms Vale said Defence legislation specifically excluded family members of service personnel who were permitted to wear the member’s medals.

“This Bill will also increase the penalty for defacing or destroying Defence medals or decorations from a $200 fine to a maximum penalty of $6600 and/or 12 months imprisonment.”

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