Honours
and Awards making medal progress
By
Cpl Cameron Jamieson
THE Director of Honours and Awards has advised that a range of
Australian medals is making steady progress towards their delivery
to eligible ADF personnel.
Director Irene Wilson said the Iraq and Afghanistan campaign medals
were planned to be issued by the end of September following delays
caused by the contracting process and manufacturing issues.
“While the delays are regrettable, I’m sure the recipients will
be pleased with the end product,” she said. “These medals symbolise
the continuation of the ADF’s proud operational heritage, and
will be treasured for generations to come.”
The issuing of the Australian Defence Medal (ADM) is also progressing.
New designs to reflect the contemporary nature of the ADM are
with CDF for his endorsement.
The Directorate of Honours and Awards (DH&A) is also working with
the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) to finalise
medal regulations for the Queen’s formal approval of the ADM.
It is expected that the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence
will make a formal announcement once final approvals have been
received.
“We are expecting everything to be finalised in the next couple
of months,” Ms Wilson said.
“All going well, the medal will be available early next year for
presentation to current and ex-serving members.
“This medal is a significant challenge for DH&A, as we have estimated
that there are over 450,000 ADF members and ex-service members
who are eligible for the ADM.
“This will be one of the biggest issue of medals in recent times.”
The issuing of the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal (HOSM)
for service on Operation Sumatra Assist is also drawing nearer.
New regulations have been gazetted, which extends the issuing
of the medal to persons involved in emergency relief operations
following the Boxing Day 2004 earthquake and tsunami and the earthquake
that struck Nias Island in March 2005.
Eligible operational areas for the HSOM now include Sumatra, Phuket,
Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Nias Island, with the following periods
of service also applicable:
-
At least seven days service during the period December 26, 2004,
to January 8, 2005; or
-
At least 14 days service during the period December 26, 2004,
to February 12, 2005; or
-
At
least seven days service in the period immediately after the
Nias Island earthquake on March 30, 2005.
Ms
Wilson said DHA was working with PM&C to identify which ADF elements
will be declared as eligible organisations under the regulations.
Work is also under way to identify all potentially eligible ADF
personnel.
“It is important for ADF members to remember that the HOSM is a
civilian medal, intended to recognise the significant contributions
of many Australians in providing immediate humanitarian relief following
the disasters,” Ms Wilson said.
“Given the number of Australian aid organisations and Federal and
States agencies involved in providing relief, it will take some
time for PM&C to finalise all medal arrangements.”
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