Wednesday, 23 July 2004

Dr J Carroll

Dear Dr Carroll

Further to my representations on your behalf to the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, The Hon Danna Vale, regarding the Australian Active Service Medal for HMA Ships Vampire and Quickmatch, I have now received a response from The Hon Mal Brough, Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, as his portfolio responsibilities cover this matter. I enclose a copy of Minister Brough's correspondence for your information.

John, you will note the Minister has advised that the Committee of Inquiry into Defence and Defence Related Awards identified that medals be reserved for the recognition of service in military operations and other activities clearly and markedly more demanding and hazardous than normal.

The Minister states that the service provided by HMA Ships Vampire and Quickmatch were clearly non-operational and that these circumstances have been thoroughly investigated by three comprehensive reviews.

Whilst I understand that this is not the outcome you were hoping for please be assured that I have left no stone unturned in representing your case to the Minister.

Yours sincerely

CHRIS PEARCE