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Darren Chester slams Albanese government veterans medal review limit, undermining Tribunal independence

Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned Labor's legislation imposing a 20-year limit on veterans' medal reviews, arguing it undermines the Tribunal's independence and disenfranchises veterans and families seeking fair recognition.

By news@gippsland - 4th September 2025 - Back to News

The Albanese government has been accused of placing a time limit on the promise to Australian service personnel and veterans that 'we will remember them'. Shadow Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Darren Chester, has told Federal Parliament the solemn phrase in 'The Ode of Remembrance' was never intended to come with a use-by date.

The Albanese government undermined Tribunal independence by imposing a 20-year medal review limit, disenfranchising veterans post-Royal Commission

Veterans rights undermined

Mr Chester said, "Under the legislation rammed through the House of Representatives by the Labor Party, we will only remember them if it's convenient. We will only remember them if the action occurred in the past 20 years."

"Despite the lack of consultation with ADF personnel and veterans, the Albanese government has undermined the independence of the Defence Honours Awards and Appeals Tribunal by placing a time limit on reviewable actions for Australia's most significant military medals. The Albanese government has ignored the advice of the independent Tribunal that it was curtailing the rights of appeal for everyday Australians and voted to undermine the current system."

"It's hard to believe in the aftermath of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide that the Labor Party would risk disenfranchising the veteran community, which has been impacted by poor decisions from the Defence Department in the past," Mr Chester said.

System not broken

Mr Chester said the government had provided no proof that the existing system was broken, and the capacity to review decisions made by Defence was a design feature of the Tribunal, which was established by the Gillard government in 2011.

"The Tribunal members have acted with diligence, integrity and professionalism. They have taken their job seriously. They have weighed up complex issues, carefully considered the consequences, and made recommendations that are balanced and responsible. It's not like they have been handing out medals without due consideration of the many complex issues they have encountered," Mr Chester said.

Veterans recognition denied

Mr Chester added, "But under the Albanese government's mean-spirited plan for veterans, Able Seaman Teddy Sheean and Private Richard Norden would both have been denied the Victoria Cross because their brave actions occurred in World War 2 and during the Vietnam War, both outside the 20-year time limit.

"The courageous actions of D Company at Long Tan would also have been outside the time limit, and Platoon Commander Harry Smith's fight for recognition would've been ignored. This is a Bill to abolish the rights of current personnel and veterans, along with their families, to seek an independent review of defence decisions, and the Coalition will continue to oppose the move in the Senate," he said.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing the Wonthaggi Structure Plan. Have your say on the town's growth, housing, jobs, heritage, and future opportunities to help shape Wonthaggi as Bass Coast regional hub.
• CFA faces critical staffing shortages in Gippsland as Labor government fails to act before dangerous fire season
  A new report reveals serious CFA staffing shortages in Gippsland, with vacancies, fatigue, and leadership gaps risking slower responses this dangerous fire season. Labor must act urgently.
• David Littleproud says new mapping reveals Labor's renewables damage, strengthening the call for nuclear energy
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes.
• Tim Bull says Victoria can’t manage current parks, criticising government plans to further expand network
  Tim Bull says expanding Victoria’s national parks is irresponsible, arguing existing parks are neglected, understaffed and overrun by pests, weeds and feral animals, with reduced funding making effective land management increasingly impossible.
• Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
  Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening.
• Martin Cameron urges Energy Minister to lift outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Minister Lily D'Ambrosio for refusing to review outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon, despite studies confirming land stability for development.
• Tim Bull criticises Minister Dimopoulos for dismissing G-Wagon concerns, warning Gippsland’s fire preparedness is reduced
  Tim Bull criticises Environment Minister Dimopoulos for dismissing concerns about withdrawn G-Wagon firefighting vehicles, warning Gippsland faces reduced fire preparedness and urging clear answers before the upcoming fire season.
• Have your say on East Gippsland public toilets review until 9 February 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council invites residents and visitors to share feedback on Council-managed public toilets, helping improve cleanliness, accessibility, and maintenance through its Public Amenities Service Review, open until February 2026.
• East Gippsland Council defers Planning Scheme Amendment, seeks comprehensive review of Rural Land Use Strategy
  East Gippsland Council has deferred Planning Scheme Amendment C170egips, requesting a detailed review of the Rural Land Use Strategy to ensure future agricultural planning meets community needs.
• Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades boost tourism, safety, and local businesses with $3.8M government support
  Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades, supported by $3.8 million government funding, improve safety, accessibility, tourism, and local business, while celebrating Indigenous culture and supporting bushfire-affected communities.
• Latrobe Valley residents invited to crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick
  Latrobe Valley residents are invited to a free crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick on 6 November, hosted by Martin Cameron MP at the Morwell RSL.
• Tim Bull urges reflection and respect on Remembrance Day honouring all Australian servicemen
  Tim Bull urges all Australians to honour veterans and current servicemen, reflecting on their sacrifice, courage, and service, while supporting commemorative events and ensuring no veteran is ever forgotten.
• Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, bike parking, greenery, and Victorian government investment
  Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, signage, parking, bike facilities, greenery, and $200,000 Victorian government investment, creating jobs and enhancing experiences for locals and visitors.
• Wellington Shire Council seeks feedback on the Domestic Animal Management Plan Review until 24 September 2025
  Wellington Shire Council's draft Domestic Animal Management Plan outlines priorities for responsible pet ownership, safety, and welfare, inviting community feedback from 28 August to 24 September 2025.
• Peri Urban Councils advocate for housing, infrastructure, and policy recognition with state government
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria met government leaders at Spring Street, advocating for housing solutions, essential infrastructure funding, and policy recognition to support rapidly growing peri urban communities sustainably.