The Australian Government is seeking feedback on a discussion paper which proposes new and additional recognition for the sacrifice made by Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, veterans and their families.
As part of the Recognising their Sacrifice Discussion Paper, the government is proposing additional recognition for the families of ADF personnel who die during service.
This could include a commemorative emblem that families can wear as a lasting symbol of their loved one’s service and sacrifice, over and above the usual Australian honours and awards system for individual ADF members which would continue.
The government is also seeking feedback on how the nation can better recognise the broader sacrifices associated with military service, including those personnel who are wounded while serving, those who die after their service has ended and the families who support them.
In 2021, the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal conducted an independent inquiry into recognising the sacrifice of ADF members at the request of the then-Government.
The government is now inviting all Australians to review the discussion paper and provide feedback on the proposed forms of recognition.
Read more about the discussion paper and how to provide feedback.
Feedback closes on 29 January 2027.
