> >NEW DEFENCE FORCE MEDAL APPROVED > >A medal struck for the recognition of service in the Australian Defence >Forces after World War 2 has been approved by the Queen. > >The Australian Defence Medal will be issued to those members who served in >either the regular defence forces, the reserves or through national >service and who completed their initial terms or 4 years, whichever is the >lesser. > >In welcoming the announcement today, Gilmore MP Joanna Gash, who is also >the Chair of the Government s Defence and Veterans Affairs Committee, said >the announcement was a long time coming. > >Finally we are recognising all those many Australians who contributed to >the service of their country through military service. > >The qualifying criteria is generous with the first medals expected to be >issued from mid 2006. Recipients will be offered the option of a formal >presentation. > >The medal is superb and I am sure those recipients will be proud to wear it. > >I congratulate all those who qualify and commend them on their loyal service. > >Mrs Gash said that further details will be announced in the days to come >and applications are now available through her Nowra office. > > >Shawn Burns >Policy Adviser >Joanna Gash - Member for Gilmore >Ph: 02 4423 1782 (bh) >Mobile: 0428 231 782 >shawn.burns@aph.gov.au >