The DHAAT Public Hearings for the submission for the awarding of a Unit Submission for Gallantry for Coral Balmoral concluded in Canberra last week. I am told that everything went well for our cause at this hearing.  I would like to thank those who appeared in Canberra especially, Mick Bindley, Tony Jensen, Ray Curtis, Ian Ahern, Mike Grimes, Gerry McCormack, Bruce Cameron, Lachlan Irvine and my apologies for those I have missed.  Once again I would like to thank all of you who sent in a submission to the inquiry, they all counted. Special thanks for those who appeared before the Tribunal.  I know some of you were anxious beforehand but you all did very well.

What came through was the detail presented and the consistent narrative which pressed home the main points.  Of course the Tribunal had their questions of ‘Collective Gallantry’, what constitute a ‘Unit’ and the ‘Integrity’  (or lack of) of the Awards system.  I am sure by the end of the hearings they had formed their opinion on these.

I think we were very fortunate to have the four members of the Tribunal that we did.  They were most considerate, put us at ease, had a good sense of humour and asked some very intelligent and searching questions.  The panel will now write their report and present it to Minister Tehan sometime in the first part of next year.  Fourteen days after presenting it to the minister it will be publically available on their website.  There will be a recommendation to the Minister who will then make his recommendation to the Governor General for Consent.  Yes it is a convoluted process. The tribunal is conscious of the 50th Anniversary in May and we can expect a decision in advance of that.  I remain confident of a positive outcome.