In the lead up to Anzac Day the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Bruce Billson, is reminding more than one million current and former Australian Defence Force members of their entitlement to the Australian Defence Medal (ADM). Mr Billson said, “The Australian Government is committed to acknowledging the outstanding contribution to our proud military history made by our men and women in uniform.

“That’s why the ADM was established last year - to acknowledge each of the more than one million Australians, living and deceased, who have served their country since the end of World War II. “So far 135,000 medals have been presented. However, I encourage all others who are entitled to the ADM to apply,” he said.

“To be eligible for the award you need to have completed four years service or an initial term of enlistment, whichever is shorter. This includes national servicemen and Reserves.” The award also recognises those who could not serve the four-year qualifying period because of Defence Force workplace policies of the time. For example, in the past a woman was required to resign from the Service on marriage.

Also eligible are former members who died in service or were medically discharged with a compensable injury. “The medal is an important tribute to those who have given so much for our country,” Mr Billson said.

Information about the ADM is available from the Defence website: www.defence.gov.au/medals or by telephoning 1800 111 321