Progress on new medals

By CPL Cameron Jamieson

New medals could be issued to eligible ADF personnel by October, according to the Directorate of Honours and Awards (DH&A).

Director Irene Wilson said the Iraq and Afghanistan campaign medals are 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) was also in progress, with new designs to reflect the contemporary nature of the ADM awaiting the endorsement of CDF Gen Peter Cosgrove.

DH&A was also working with the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (PMC) to finalise medal regulations for the Queen’s formal approval of the ADM.

It is expected that the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Deanne Kelly, 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 DHA, as we have estimated that there are more than 450,000 ADF members and ex-service members who are eligible for the ADM. This will be one of the biggest issues of medals in recent times.”

The issuing of the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal (HOSM) for service on Operation Sumatra Assist will also occur soon.

New regulations have been gazetted, which extends the issuing of the medal to those involved in emergency relief operations after the Boxing Day 2004 earthquake and tsunami and the earthquake that struck Nias Island in March this year.

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 is now working with PMC 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 State agencies involved in providing relief, it will take some time for PMC to finalise all medal arrangements.

“However, DHA will continue to provide updates as we progress with each medal.”

 

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