Government Decision to Remove Medals from Australian Soldiers
The ASASA condemns the Government’s decision to remove awards for bravery and distinguished service in action from young officers who led their men into battle in Afghanistan ten to 15 years ago. National Chairman Hon Martin Hamilton-Smith, speaking on behalf of SAS veterans said.
‘This appears to be the first time in the history of ANZAC that an Australian Government has so betrayed the courage and sacrifice of the men they sent to fight and die in our country’s name.”
“In the week a Royal Commission has reported to the Australian people the startling rate of suicide amongst veterans due to their mistreatment, Minister Marles has spat at feet of the twenty thousand young men and women who fought terrorism in Afghanistan. The message this sends is disgraceful”
“The ASASA, the RSL and the Commando Association gave reasons for condemning this CDF proposal in a May 2023 statement. The government has not listened and had now laid claim to the action”
The government’s decision overlooks the courageous leadership of these young officers on the battlefield based on unproven allegations that somewhere in a remote village unseen and unknown to these commanders, an unlawful act might have occurred on their watch. Punishment before the truth has been established in a due process in court, is unjust.
“This is the act of a woke minister unfit to continue serving in the Defence Portfolio. Instead of fixing the ADF’s many problems and our future challenges he is denigrating ANZACs about the last war.
“Ex Service Organisations will consult on this Albanese Government decision and will consider next steps across the country in the lead up to the federal election. If the ANZAC’s of The Western Front and Gallipoli in WW1 and of Kokoda and the skies over Europe in WW2 had been treated like this by their government after the war was over, a nation grateful for the service and sacrifice of their children and spouses and would have been outraged.”
“This is a failure of political leadership. No MP or candidate who supports Minister Marles actions today should receive the vote of veterans, their families or of any Australian who is proud of their country and respectful of the service of the men and women of our Army, Navy and Air Force.”
Hon Martin Hamilton-Smith
National Chairman
The Australian Special Air Service Association
M: +61 (0) 408854707
Email: Chairman.asasa@gmail.com
Comments