GOVERNMENT PROGRESSING FURTHER DEFENCE TRIBUNAL CONSULTATION

The Albanese Government will progress further dedicated consultation on elements of the Defence Amendment (Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal) Bill 2025.

This follows an inquiry into The Bill by the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade which has recommended further consultation take place.

To allow for further consultations to occur, the Government will discharge the Bill from the Senate Notice paper on Monday morning when the Senate meets.

The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal (DHAAT) Bill was crafted to respond to concerns raised by the Tribunal itself in its decisions and annual reports on the risks associated with decisions being made when it is difficult, if not impossible to refer to objective and independent evidence.

It is unfortunate that following introduction of the Bill, the Opposition engaged in an inflammatory misinformation campaign, instead of engaging constructively with the Government about its concerns or areas for improvement.

The Government acknowledges there are elements of the Bill that the Opposition and stakeholders were happy to support, such as an effective timeline for seeking a review of a Defence decision, the ability to create procedural rules for the Tribunal, clarifying the scope of recommendations the Tribunal can make, clarifying the powers of the the Tribunal for decisions associated with Defence Honours and Awards, clarifying definitions and prohibiting reviews of decisions to decline an honour that has already been resolved or cancelled.

The Government acknowledges the work of the Senate Committee in conducting its inquiry into the Bill and will work with all parties and the veteran community on ensuring the Tribunal and its functions remain fit for purpose.

I look forward to engaging with all stakeholders on progressing constructive consultation on these matters, while continuing to progress the implementation of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide's recommendations at pace so that our Defence, veteran and family community receive the supports they need and deserve.