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of Australia

NAVY / DEFENCE NEWS

AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE MEDAL - DESIGN - 19 September 2004 (See update below pictures)

Just received pictures of the new Australian Defence Medal. They appear below. Their authenticity has not yet been established as they were sent to me from a member who did not wish his name disclosed. Normally these would not be published however they seem fairly authentic and I am sure Defence will release details in the near future, so here they are:-

The following was received from Defence Personnel Executive - Honours and Awards 5 October 2004-

Good Afternoon Mr Dwyer,
Thank you for your e-mail.

Information regarding the Australian Defence Medal is as follows:

The establishment of the ADM is only in its very early stages. Formal approval of the medals' regulations and design by Her Majesty The Queen has not yet been gained. Also, detailed eligibility criteria is still being developed and has not yet been approved by the PM or the Governor-General.
Until the necessary approvals have been gained, DHA cannot release any details as to draft eligibility criteria or speculate on when the medal will be available for issue. At this stage, as per the Minister's Media Release of 11 Jun 04, "we will be following the appropriate processes and protocols under the Australian Honours and Awards System and once that is complete we can call for applications and we hope to commence issuing medals by mid 2005."

If you require further information you can contact The Directorate of Honours and Awards on our 1800 111321.

I hope I have been able to help you on this occasion.

Regards
Maree Topp
Directorate of Honours and Awards
DPE.Honoursandawards@defence.gov.au

Following submissions by the NAA to the ESO Summit in July held in Canberra regarding the Australian Defence Medal and follow-up action by AVADSC the following response was received regarding personnel (including WRANS) who could not complete the required 6 years voluntary service to qualify for award of the new medal.

Tuesday, 4 January 2005 -

The following email was received from the Defence Medals Section Tuesday 4 January 2005 regarding progress for issuance of the medal:-

"Australian Defence Medal - Regulations and criteria are still being formulated for official approval. It is anticipated that an announcement will be made after Anzac day and people are requested not to submit applications until full details of the medal have been publicly announced and the special purpose application has been released."

Please respect the Medals Section request.

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