Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal

The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal is an independent statutory body established under the Defence Act to consider Defence honours and awards matters. 

Individuals are able to apply to the Tribunal for an independent review of a decision of the Department of Defence regarding eligibility for a defence honour, defence award or a foreign award. 

The Government is also able to refer general eligibility issues to the Tribunal for inquiry and recommendation.

On 7 April 2022, Government announced that the Tribunal would inquire into medallic recognition for service with Rifle Company Butterworth. Further information on the inquiry and information on how to make a submission can be found here.

The Tribunal has completed its Inquiry into unit recognition for Australian Defence Force service in Somalia. The Tribunal’s report, including recommendations, can be found here.

UPCOMING PUBLIC HEARINGS

Due to limitations associated with the size of venues, and COVID safety measures, prior registration with the Tribunal Secretariat is necessary in order to attend public hearings of the Tribunal.

DATE
MATTER
HEARING LOCATION
27 March 2023
Greatrex and the Department of Defence - Australian Operational Service Medal - Border Protection
Canberra, 13:00 pm AEDT
3 April 2023
Inquiry into medallic recognition for service with Rifle Company Butterworth
Royal On The Park - 152 Alice Street Brisbane. Hearing will be live streamed from the Tribunal's website. Commencement time TBC
4 April 2023
Inquiry into medallic recognition for service with Rifle Company Butterworth
Royal On The Park. 152 Alice Street Brisbane. Hearing will be live streamed from the Tribunal's website. Commencement time TBC
16 May 2023
Laughlin-Young and the Department of Defence - Defence Long Service Medal
Canberra, 11:00 am AEST