Senate to investigate process of awarding medals in Defence

The Senate has approved a motion to launch an investigation into the process of awarding medals in Defence – including the Distinguished Service Cross awarded to outgoing Chief of Defence Force Angus Campbell.

CAPTION: Outgoing Chief of Defence Force General Angus Campbell at the Change of Command Ceremony for the Chief of Joint Capabilities at Russell Office, Canberra. Photo by Rodney Braithwaite.

Queensland Senator for Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party Malcolm Roberts put the motion to the Senate on 3 July 2024.

The motion was narrowly passed, 32 votes to 31, with Labor and the Greens voting nay.

Senator Roberts said on Facebook that senior officers had completely abused the Defence honours and awards system.

“Senior brass often nominate each other for medals like it comes in their salary package,” Senator Roberts said.

“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 establishing one.”

Senator Roberts moved the motion in the Senate –

That the following matter be referred to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee for inquiry and report by 28 November 2024:

The integrity and efficacy of the Defence honours and awards system, with particular reference to:

(a) experiences of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel progressing through the honours and awards system;

(b) the effect of awards and honours on maintaining morale within the ADF;

(c) assurance of the integrity of awards to senior officers for conduct in the Afghanistan conflict;

(d) the effect of changes in criteria for some honours and awards from ‘in action’ to ‘in warlike operations’;

(e) the operation of the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal, including any potential improvements;

(f) any potential improvements to the Defence honours and awards system; and

(g) any related matters.

 

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