Committee: Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee
Date referred: 4 September 2025
Submissions close: 1 October 2025
Reporting date: 30 October 2025
On 4 September 2025 the Senate referred the provisions of the Defence Amendment (Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal) Bill 2025 to the Senate Foreign Affiars, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 30 October 2025.
Submissions are sought by 1 October 2025.
Making a submission
Your submission should relate to the bill that is being inquired into.
In telling your experiences in a submission, you do not need to provide the committee medical reports, decision letters, correspondence or tribunal documents. You may consider including excerpts from such documents to support the committee’s understanding of your submission, however if such documents contain sensitive information, they may be returned to you.
More information about how to make a submission can be found here: link to Making a submission
Individual cases or complaints
It is important to note that the committee is not able to provide advice on your individual circumstances. The committee is not able to progress or resolve individual concerns or complaints about your experience with the Defence Honours and Awards system. The committee cannot overturn, or remake decisions made.
Support services
If you, or a family member or friend, needs mental health support, please reach out to one of the following support services:
- Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling (formerly VVCS) provides free and confidential counselling 24/7 to Navy, Army and Air Force personnel, veterans & their families. Call Open Arms on 1800 011 046.
- Lifeline Australia provides 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or chat with an online crisis supporter online or text via mobile on 0477 13 11 14.
- Beyond Blue is a charity working to address issues associated with depression, suicide and anxiety disorders. Contact their 24/7 counselling service via 1300 22 46 36.
- Connect with an ex-service organisation in your local area.
- Please dial 000 if it is an emergency.