A powerful Senate Inquiry established into the Defence medals system has opened for submissions.

A powerful Senate Inquiry established into the Defence medals system has opened for submissions.

The inquiry initiated by a Senator Roberts motion will investigate potentially illegal medals awarded to senior Defence officers, the experiences of ADF personnel and potential improvements to the Defence Awards and Honours system.

Senator Roberts stressed that witnesses are protected in giving their evidence even though some Defence Personnel fear reprisals. Anyone coercing, interfering with or punishing a person for giving evidence to the committee could be held in contempt of the Senate. Submissions to the committee can be made confidentially for those wishing not to be identified.

The terms of reference for the inquiry are available on the Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade website: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Foreign_Affairs_Defence_and_Trade/DefenceHonours47/Terms_of_Reference

Quotes attributable to Senator Roberts:

‘Senior officers have abused the Defence honours and awards system. Senior brass nominate each other for medals as if medals are an entitlement in their salary package.

‘Meanwhile, enlisted personnel have to fight for recognition and higher ups arbitrarily downgrade their medals.

‘I suspect Angus Campbell’s Distinguished Service Cross is the tip of the iceberg and this inquiry will have the ability to look at the issue in depth. The system needs a serious inquiry and I’m thankful to the Senate for investigating.

‘Questions must be asked why Labor and Greens (including Senator Shoebridge) voted against this inquiry which I expect will be very productive.’

Media inquiries for Senator Roberts contact Aidan Nagle, M: 0428 483 098

Make a submission to the inquiry:

https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Foreign_Affairs_Defence_and_Trade/DefenceHonours47

How to make a submission (including how to make a confidential submission): https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/How_to_make_a_submission