The Albanese Labor Government has introduced a new award to recognise the service of Australian Defence Force (ADF) 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.
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.
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.
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.
