Rwanda service ‘warlike’

By Hugh McKenzie
Volume 11, No. 38, March 8, 2006

MORE than 630 ADF personnel who served in Rwanda in two rotations in 1994-95 will have their service recognised as warlike following a review by Defence and a decision by the government.

Australia’s contribution to UNAMIR II (Op Tamar) included an ADF Medical Support Force comprising medical and surgical personnel, an infantry rifle coy, APC section, engineers, RAEME, signals and supporting elements.

Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence and Minister for Veterans Affairs Bruce Billson said “facts and history” showed that the classification of non-warlike was probably not an accurate account of the threat, hardship and danger that faced ADF personnel.

“The reclassification will bring immediate benefits to the ADF personnel involved, not only in recognition but also in ongoing access to existing entitlements and benefits, eligibility for the Australian Active Service Medal and also, where those veterans are unable to work, immediate access to the invalidity service pension,” Mr Billson said.

“In the longer term, this designation also provides added support to those ADF personnel, with access to a gold card at age 70 providing free comprehensive health care, access to the service pension at age 60 and much comfort and support for their family members.”

The Rwandan conflict took the lives of an estimated 800,000 people. At Kibeho Camp a small Australian team witnessed the massacre of more than 2000 people by the Tutsi-dominated Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF).

Restricted by the UN Mandate and the Rules of Engagement, the Australian soldiers could only look on in horror as the massacre unfolded in front of them. Under fire and often under the threat of the RPF, the Australians managed to set up a casualty evacuation station and conduct triage and treatment for the wounded.

Defence Honours and Awards (DHA) Director Irene Wilson said following a decision to reclassify Op Tamar, DHA would cancel the determination under the ASM regulations and establish a new determination under the AASM, which could take several months.

“Current and ex-serving members would need to write to DHA with their details so that we could examine their individual circumstances,” Ms Wilson said.

“The standard application form can be used and the applications would be assessed in order of receipt and as part of the standard assessment process for each service.”

The application form (AC694) is at http://www.defence.gov.au/dpe. Information about veterans’ benefits is at www.dva.gov.au. The Minister’s announcement is available at http://minister.dva.gov.au/media_releases/2006/02_feb/va005.htm.