WHAT CAN THE TRIBUNAL REVIEW

The Tribunal can review decisions of the Department of Defence, or the services, concerning eligibility for defence honours, defence awards or foreign awards.

These decisions need to relate to service after 3 September 1939 (the beginning of the Second World War).

The list of reviewable defence honours and defence awards can be found in the Defence Regulation 2016.

Not all applications to the Tribunal result in it holding a hearing or completing a written decision. Around half of the applications submitted to the Tribunal in the last two years have been settled in the applicant’s favour, without the matter being heard or decided upon. This has usually been the result of a reassessment of the case by Defence.

Please note that badges such as the Infantry Combat Badge and the Army Combat Badge are not classified as defence awards under the Regulation, and as such the Tribunal cannot review decisions relating to eligibility for these badges.

Further information can be found in the Tribunal’s guide to reviews, or by phoning (02) 6266 1019.

WHO CAN APPLY TO THE TRIBUNAL FOR A REVIEW?

An individual is able to seek review of a decision concerning eligibility for a defence honour, defence award, or foreign award in relation to their own service.  Applications for review can only be accepted after the person making the application is formally advised by Defence that their original application has been unsuccessful.

Applications can also be made on behalf of another person, or a group of persons, however the person seeking review in the Tribunal must be the same person that made the original application to Defence. 

When making an application on behalf of another person, applicants should have appropriate permission from the subject of the application prior to making application in the Tribunal.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A REVIEW?

To apply for a review of decision:
  1. Complete an Application for a Review of Decision (see below)
  2. Provide a copy of the letter advising the eligibility decision
  3. Include a short statement of claims as to why you believe you (or the subject of the application) are eligible for the honour or award.

To complete an Application for a Review of Decision:
– Click here to fill in the online application form, or
– Click here to download a PDF of the application form, or
– Email or phone us to request a printed copy of the application form

It is also recommended that you provide any evidence relevant to the application. Once the completed application is ready, the application can be submitted online, posted or emailed to the Tribunal.

By Post:
Defence Honours and Awards
Appeals Tribunal
Level 1, 5 Tennant Street, Fyshwick
Locked Bag 7765
CANBERRA BC ACT 2600

By Email:
dha.tribunal@defence.gov.au
*Email size limit must be under 10MBs in total.

Further information can be found in the Tribunal’s guide to reviews, or by phoning (02) 6266 1019.

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