All Australians value the service and sacrifice of Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families. Those who are killed or injured in service, and the loved ones who share in their sacrifice, deserve meaningful and enduring recognition.
In 2021, the then‑Government asked the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal to conduct an independent inquiry into recognising the sacrifice of ADF members
The Albanese Government has now carefully considered the findings of that inquiry, and produced the Recognising their Sacrifice - Discussion Paper.
The Government's Discussion Paper proposes a new form of recognition for the families of ADF personnel who die during their service, outside the Australian honours and awards system. This could include a commemorative emblem that families can wear as a lasting symbol of their loved one's service and sacrifice.
Individual ADF members would continue to be recognised through the Australian honours and awards system in the usual way.
Beyond this proposal, the Government is also seeking views on how Australia can better recognise the broader sacrifices associated with military service, including those personnel who are wounded as a result of their service, those who die after their service has ended, and the families who support them.
Today, we invite community feedback from Serving members, veterans, families and the broader Australian community on the Government's proposal, as well as additional forms of recognition.
Feedback received through this consultation will help inform the Government's consideration of how recognition can best honour the service and sacrifice of ADF members, veterans and their families.
To access the Recognising their Sacrifice discussion paper, provide feedback, or find out more information visit https://www.defence.gov.au/about/reviews-inquiries/recognising-their-sacrifice.
Submissions close on 29 January 2027.
