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House of Assembly - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2009-04-29 Daily Xml
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KOREAN WAR VETERANS

Ms THOMPSON (Reynell) (14:52): My question is to the Minister for Veterans' Affairs. Will the minister inform the house about a new medal to recognise Korean war veterans?

The Hon. M.J. ATKINSON (Croydon—Attorney-General, Minister for Justice, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Veterans' Affairs) (14:53): I have been touched and humbled during my time as Minister for Veterans' Affairs by stories of our diggers. I have had the opportunity to meet many returned soldiers and hear of their experiences at war. I am often surprised by the feats and triumphs of individuals who saw their service as 'just doing their duty'.

Last year, I travelled to Turkey and participated in the moving dawn service at Anzac Cove on ANZAC Day. The loss and sacrifice of those soldiers is well known and revered by Australians and New Zealanders. However, the sacrifice of Australian soldiers in the Korean War is lesser known. Some 17,164 Australians served in the Korean War: 339 were killed. This conflict should not be the forgotten war, and this new medal will help to change that.

Korean War veterans now have the opportunity to nominate for the newly created Australian General Service Medal for Korea. This award has received in-principle endorsement from Her Majesty The Queen. Now former defence force personnel who completed 30 days in South Korea during the post armistice period from 28 July 1953 to 19 April 1956 are eligible for the award. Korean veterans can wear the UN medal for Korea, the Korea Medal and the Australian Active Service Medal 1945-1975. However, this new medal will specifically recognise their service in Korea.

I commend the commonwealth government for creating this award to recognise further the efforts of Korean war veterans. The Australian General Service Medal needs to be formally established and a medal design is required, and I understand the medal is to be issued in early 2010. I welcome inquiries at my office for further information for those interested in nominating for this award.

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