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, including terms of reference, published submissions and the inquiry report, which was published on 20 September 2023, 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
11 September 2023
No matters are currently set down for hearing

RECENT TRIBUNAL DECISIONS

McElvaney and the Department of Defence [2023] DHAAT 15
Australian Defence Medal

Laughlin-Young and the Department of Defence [2023] DHAAT 14
Defence Long Service Medal

O'Brien and the Department of Defence [2023] DHAAT 13
Australian Defence Medal

Greatrex and the Department of Defence [2023] DHAAT 12
Australian Operational Service Medal - Border Protection

Ryan and the Department of Defence re: Ryan [2023] DHAAT 11
Australian Defence Medal and 1939-45 Star