BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’
The Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committees have announced two significant inquiries and are calling for submissions from interested individuals and organisations.
Inquiry into Defence Honours and Awards System
On 3 July 2024, the Senate referred the matter of Defence honours and awards to the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee for inquiry and report by 28 November 2024. This inquiry seeks to examine the integrity and efficacy of the Defence honours and awards system with a focus on:
- The experiences of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel with the honours and awards system.
- The impact of awards on morale within the ADF.
- The integrity of awards given to senior officers for their conduct in the Afghanistan conflict.
- Changes in criteria from ‘in action’ to ‘in warlike operations’ for certain honours and awards.
- The operation and potential improvements of the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal.
- Any related matters.
Submissions for this inquiry are due by Tuesday, 30 August 2024.
Inquiry into Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support Bill 2024
Following on 4 July 2024, the Senate referred the Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024 to the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee. This bill aims to simplify and harmonise the complex legislative framework governing veterans’ entitlements, rehabilitation and compensation into a single ongoing Act from 1 July 2026.
Key points of the bill include:
- The Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 will become the single ongoing Act.
- The Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 and the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 will be closed to new claims but will continue in a limited form.
Submissions for this inquiry are due by Wednesday, 31 July 2024.
How to Make a Submission
Submissions can be made online for both inquiries by creating a My Parliament account on the Parliament of Australia website. Detailed guidelines on how to draft and upload submissions are available on the website. Submissions can also be emailed to fadt.sen@aph.gov.au or mailed to PO Box 6100, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600.
It is important to note that submissions will be made public only after a decision by the committee, and confidentiality requests can be made if necessary. Unauthorised release of submissions before acceptance is prohibited.
For further guidance on making a submission and more information about the committees, visit www.aph.gov.au/senate_fadt.
These inquiries present an important opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to the future of Defence honours and awards and veterans’ entitlements in Australia. The committees have advised they look forward to receiving comprehensive and thoughtful contributions.