The time in which Australian military medals can now be awarded has been restricted to 20 years, following new legislation passed by the Federal Government. Photo: Supplied.
Local military veterans have slammed the Federal Government’s decision to limit the time period of consideration for military medals.
Legislation passed by parliament earlier this month means that awards and medals for military service will only be considered if the act took place within the past 20 years.
The announcement comes less than a year since Gundagai’s Richard Norden was awarded a Victorian Cross, the highest Australian Military honour, for his heroics during the Vietnam War 58 years ago.
Former Wagga Wagga resident and Australian Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Veterans Association chairperson Ian Lindgren, labelled the decision a ‘betrayal’ that completely ignored the findings of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
“It’s further proof that the government sees no credibility in the recommendations that have come out of the royal commission,” Mr Lindgren said.
“The royal commissioner himself felt that if there wasn’t an independent commissioner, to be appointed by the Governor-General to report independently to parliament on behalf of veterans, the whole $200 million spent on the royal commission would be wasted.
“That is exactly what we are seeing right now.”
Mr Lindgren said in some cases, details of war operations and missions weren’t released until years and even decades after the events took place, so setting a restriction on that time dismissed the sacrifice of those who served in those operations.
“I haven’t spoken to a single person who feels that this is a positive outcome,” he said.
“It can take up to 20 to 30 years for an award to go through the Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal. How can we justify the restriction when the adjudication process takes longer?
“Veterans already feel ostracised for their service. By doing this, you have completely destroyed the morale of veteran communities, like Wagga, which obviously has Pro Patria, the RSL and the two military bases.”
Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester told parliament the solemn phrase in ‘The Ode of Remembrance’ was never intended to come with a use-by date.
“Under the legislation rammed through the House of Representatives by the Labor Party, we will only remember them if it’s convenient. We will only remember them if the action occurred in the past 20 years,” Mr Chester said.
“Despite the lack of consultation with ADF personnel and veterans, the Albanese Government has undermined the independence of the Defence Honours Awards and Appeals Tribunal by placing a time limit on reviewable actions for Australia’s most significant military medals.
“The Albanese Government has ignored the advice of the independent tribunal that it was curtailing the rights of appeal for everyday Australians and voted to undermine the current system.
“It’s hard to believe in the aftermath of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide that the Labor Party would risk disenfranchising the veteran community, which has been impacted by poor decisions from the Defence Department in the past.”
