What was debated in Parliament
Summarised using AI from the official Hansard transcript of the debate only. It is not a record of the debate and may leave things out. Read the Hansard below to check it.
This bill changes how the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal reviews decisions to refuse military medals. It would limit most reviews to service within 20 years of an operation ending, narrow who can apply, and set a six-month deadline to seek a review. The debate focused on whether these limits were needed and whether they would stop past heroes being recognised; a Coalition member later said the bill was discharged from the Senate.
Arguments made in support
The government said the tribunal finds it hard to judge actions from as far back as 1939, when records are poor and witnesses have died.
The minister said limiting applicants stops historians with no link to a veteran from seeking reviews that can upset families.
Government members said a six-month deadline, with exceptions for things like serious illness, is longer than for most government reviews.
The minister said the changes only apply to the future, keep the tribunal independent, and still let ministers refer any matter for inquiry.
Arguments made against, or for changes
Coalition members said the tribunal works well and the government had not shown what problem the bill fixes.
Coalition speakers said cases like Teddy Sheean's Victoria Cross and the Long Tan medals could not have been reviewed under a 20-year limit.
Opponents said the tribunal itself opposed the 20-year limit, and veterans groups such as the RSL said they were not properly consulted.
The Coalition moved amendments to remove the 20-year limit, keep broad rights to apply, and require people to be told of their review rights.
Independents Allegra Spender and Helen Haines said they could not support the bill as it stood and backed the Coalition amendments.
42 speeches by 15 members in the House and Senate over 5 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 28 Aug 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 3 Sept 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 4 Sept 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 27 Oct 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 26 Nov 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Includes votes on amendments and procedure.