Graham Edwards (Cowan, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary (Defence and Veterans' Affairs)) Share this | Hansard source

I have a couple of questions I would like to put to the minister. The minister will be aware that I have been fairly complimentary of the job that he has generally done since he was appointed. I think that complimentary approach has been warranted in some areas. However, there are other areas where I would really appreciate some direct answers in relation to a couple of issues.

You would be aware, Minister, that one of the great areas of consternation within the current serving and broader veteran community is the issue of the recently announced Australian Defence Medal. I want to refer to a press release which was put out by the Hon. Mal Brough on Saturday, 26 June 2004. I will quote three parts of that. He says:

The Howard Government has today announced the intention to establish a new medal that recognises volunteer service in the Australian Defence Force.

It goes on to say:

Mr Brough said the Australian Defence Medal would be retrospective … However, those who completed National Service would not be eligible unless they subsequently volunteered and completed the requisite six years volunteer service.

In conclusion it says:

Nonetheless, the Australian Defence Medal provides the Government and the Australian people the ability to recognise those service men and women who do volunteer and serve the flag in a variety of roles and are prepared, should the call come, to put their lives on the line.

I want to ask the minister why the criterion of this medal was changed from one, importantly, of recognising volunteer service, following the recognition of national service with the previous National Service Medal. Why was it changed from a volunteer medal? Minister, who did you consult in the process of making that change?

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