The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, Dr Mike Kelly, announced today that the independent Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal will inquire into recognition of service with the Commonwealth Monitoring Force - Rhodesia 1979-80. Dr Kelly said, "I am pleased that the Tribunal will inquire into recognition of service with the Commonwealth Monitoring Force - Rhodesia 1979-80."

"The Tribunal has commenced, or completed, inquiries into most of the issues identified by Government in its Defence election policy. This is one of many additional issues that the Government has referred to the Tribunal." Service with the Commonwealth Monitoring Force - Rhodesia 1979-80 is currently recognised with the Rhodesia Medal.

"A number of people have raised with the Government and the Tribunal the issue of Australian recognition for this service," Dr Kelly said. "I would encourage all those with an interest in this matter to now take advantage of this opportunity to make a submission."

A call for submissions will be released shortly in the national press. Submissions to the inquiry close on Friday, 13 August 2010.

The Tribunal can be contacted at:

Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal
Locked Bag 7765
CANBERRA BUSINESS CENTRE ACT 2610

or via email to DHA.Tribunal@defence.gov.au

The terms of reference for the inquiry and guidance on how to make a submission can be obtained at: www.defence-honours-tribunal.gov.au