New award introduced to recognise ADF service in Indo-Pacific

Land

03 February 2025

By: Reporter

Australian Military personnel assisted by their international partners fill sandbags required to carry out Operation Render Safe in Nauru. Photo: SGT Craig Barrett

The Federal Government has introduced a new award to recognise the service of Australian Defence Force personnel in the Indo-Pacific region.

For decades the ADF has operated throughout the Indo‑Pacific in support of a more peaceful, stable and prosperous region. In an increasingly complex strategic environment, these operations are critical to protecting our national interest and keeping Australians safe.

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Recognising this, ADF personnel of all ranks who have completed 30 days of operational service on certain ADF operations in the region will be eligible for the Australian Operational Service Medal Indo-Pacific.

“The Australian Defence Force has been conducting operations in the Indo-Pacific region for decades, and the Albanese Labor Government is honoured to see those personnel recognised in this way for their important service,” according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles.

“We are committed to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, and in an increasingly complex strategic environment the contributions of our service men and women on these operations is vital to that.”

This includes Operation Render Safe, where ADF personnel work to safely dispose of World War II bombs, weapons and ammunition from Pacific island countries, and Operation Argos, the ADF’s contribution to the international effort to enforce United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea.

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“In honour of the contribution made by our ADF personnel to our regional security, the Governor-General has agreed to the Albanese Government’s request to institute a new award recognising approximately 15,000 current serving and veteran ADF personnel for service in the Indo-Pacific region,” according to Minister for Defence Personnel Matt Keogh.

“These ADF personnel continue the legacy of those who have served their country, through service and sacrifice.”

Approximately 15,000 current and former serving members of the ADF will be recognised for their service on contemporary and ongoing operations in our region.