The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon Dr Mike Kelly AM MP, announced today that the independent Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal will inquire into recognition of service with the Task Group Medical Support Element One during the Gulf War in 1990-91. “I am pleased that the Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal will inquire into recognition of service with the Task Group Medical Support Element One during the Gulf War in 1990-91.

“The Tribunal has commenced or completed inquiries into all of the issues identified by the Government in its Defence election policy. This is one of many additional issues that the Government has referred to the Tribunal for review,” Dr Kelly said.

A call for submissions will be released shortly in the national press. Submissions to the inquiry close on Monday 23 August, 2010.

Service with the Task Group Medical Support Element One is currently recognised with the Australian Service Medal with Clasp ‘Kuwait’. The issue of recognition by way of the Australian Active Service Medal has been raised with the Government and the Tribunal.

I would encourage those interested in this issue to now take advantage of the opportunity to make a submission,” Dr Kelly said.

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