Information on this page is to assist submitting an application for either a Defence honour or award.

Accepted forms of evidence include:

• eyewitness statements, appropriately signed and dated by the witness
• policy and/or decision documents that support the claim
• copies of recommendations or citations for the individual/s relating to the cited action or service
• copies of research papers or book extracts where the source research is identified.
• documents held by the Australian War Memorial, National Archives of Australia and/or within private records.

Evidence types

Documentary

Documentary evidence encompass forms of information or data recorded on paper or electronically.

It is recommended that, where possible, the evidence includes dates, name and verification of the document by the author and details of how the document was obtained.

This may include, but is not limited to:

• witness statements
• written documents such as reports, books, newspaper articles or correspondence
• computer records
• email and other electronic communications
• maps, plans, drawings or photographs
• text messages.

Expert

Expert evidence is an opinion provided by a person who is an expert in their field on a matter related to their expertise. An expert will consider the available evidence and provide an opinion.

Other

These may include objects or things that exist in the world, as opposed to being written down or in someone’s memory. It may also include video or audio recordings that have not been transcribed or other items of evidence.

Evidence may also include, but is not limited to:

• copies of documents/records held by the National Archives of Australia or Australian War Memorial with a file reference
• statutory declarations (from other individuals who served with the member)
• signed and dated witness statements
• book or article extracts with title, author and publication date included
• pay records
• log books
• passports
• photos
• plaques
• personal correspondence
• medical records
• other relevant evidence that places a member in a particular place at a particular time.

More information on evidence, facts and findings can be found on the Attorney-General’s Department Administrative Review Council website – Administrative Review Council Best Practice Guide 3 – Evidence Facts and Findings page.