Fed: Special forces may be honoured for counter-terrorism work
20 Apr 2009 11:23 AM
CANBERRA, April 20 AAP - A tribunal is set to examine whether special forces soldiers deserve recognition for counter-terrorism duties.
The inquiry into whether Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) personnel should be recognised for their counter terrorism and special recovery duties will be carried out by the Independent Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal.
Parliamentary secretary for defence support Mike Kelly said the tribunal would also consider the service of other Australian Defence Force elements seconded to the SASR in the past, and those that currently conduct counter terrorist and special recovery work.
Dr Kelly said many people had written to him urging recognition of those who performed SASR counter-terrorism duties.
"I would encourage them to now take advantage of this opportunity to make a submission to the tribunal," Dr Kelly said in a statement on Monday.
Submissions close on May 18.
The SASR - and more recently the commando battalion 4RAR - has long maintained tactical assault groups able to respond at short notice to any terrorist incident.
Members train intensively and sustain a high level of readiness.
But they have never been called on to act and that places them outside the standard definitions of active service.
Former members have described a variety of health complaints stemming from regular exposure to explosions and tear gas during their ultra-realistic training.
The tribunal will examine what existing honours and awards might be available to provide recognition for counter terrorist and special recovery service.
It will also look at whether there should be other forms of recognition.
