During the 2009 deployment for Operation Padang Assist, over 500 dedicated Australian Defence Force personnel,  including myself and the entire crew of HMAS KANIMBLA, served under challenging, hazardous & traumatic circumstances. As a result in conjunction with my service in the R.AN and the many other contributing factors associated with serving aboard HMAS KANIMBLA, I have developed and been formally diagnosed by a psychiatrist with the following - Post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, and anxiety, and an array of other physical permanent injuries. We stepped up to serve our nation and provide humanitarian assistance during a time of need and yet, unlike other units in similar operations in the Indo-Pacific region, our dedication remains unrecognized by Prime minister and Cabinet regarding the several requests by crew and other members of defence for the award of the Humanitarian overseas service medal. Alternatively we collectively come together to request the award of the Australian Operational Service Medal (Indo-Pacific). As per My PMKEYS and DVA Records. (DVA Service history records can be requested for proof. ), Operation Padang Assist began on 06/10/2009 until 05/11/2009 which is a total of 31 days. The total count of days qualifies myself and all another personnel for both or either of the AOSM (Indo Pacifc) and the HOSM.

This is not just about a medal; it’s about acknowledging the sacrifices and contributions made by members of the Australian Defence Force who participated in this harrowing mission, under conditions comparable to those of other recognized deployments in the area. Just like Colonel Mark Andrew Brewer was awarded a Bar to Conspicuous Service Cross (Bar) in 2011, for his leadership of Joint Task Force 629 in Padang, Indonesia, for the same deployment to highlight his exceptional service during Operation Padang Assist. I am in no way discrediting the value of the Colonels leadership or service, nor am I discrediting his character. However questions do need to be raised and asked as to why he was recognised the the deployment while the rest of us weren’t? And how does his recognition and the denying of our recognition fit into the values of the defence force now and previously including but no limited to, Honour, Honesty, Courage, Integrity & Respect? It appears that the ADF lack integrity to honour the courage and loyalty of HMAS KANIMBLA and the other serving members of the ADF in protecting and serving Australia’s National Interests which includes strong ties with Indonesia particularly in the Indo pacific region with the surrounding issues that trouble not just Australia but also Indonesia.

I would like to Highlight an Insert from The then serving Cheif of Defence Force Air Chief Marshall Angus Houston who stated in his media release: “Quote”

“The Commander of the Indonesian Earthquake Relief Effort, Major General Tanjung, praised the Australians for their dedication to the relief effort in support of the Indonesian Defence Force (TNI). 

“Your performance was outstanding to finish your mission in such a short time, we look forward to more opportunities to work together in the future,” Major General Tanjung said. 

Joint Task Force Commander Colonel Mark Brewer is proud of the performance of his personnel during the operation. 

“To see the Australian and Indonesian soldiers working side by side, forging friendships in the aftermath of a natural disaster, will be an enduring feature of this mission.” 

The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, said through working closely together in the aftermath of the 30th September earthquake, the Australians and Indonesians had strengthened the friendship between the two nations. 

“I commend all the ADF men and women who contributed to Operation PADANG ASSIST. Your efforts contributed towards saving countless lives, establishing medical clinics, clearing landslides and repairing vital infrastructure,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said. 

• Close Quote. 
  
  
• it appears that the outstanding performance of ADF Personnel to finish the mission, contribution to saving countless lives, establish Medical Clinics and clearing Landslides and repairing vital infrastructure, is clearly considered not good enough by some. Yet considered significant by Air Chief Marshall Houston. 

 My purpose of this petition is to highlight the lack of formal recognition for the rest of us that stands as a stark injustice to all who served on the HMAS KANIMBLA and other defence units during Operation Padang Assist, setting us apart from our peers who have duly received such acknowledgments for equivalent service.

It’s seems there is no loyalty to us or integrity of senior leadership who award bars and awards to their fellow officers and buddies but discredit, disrespect, and disregard the junior ranks who were doing the work. It’s one thing to award outstanding leadership for such deployment, but to disregard the rest is unjustifiably disrespectful and disappointing, one has to ask, if we were simply doing the task that were within our job description during this deployment, why was Colonel Brewer awarded a bar for his distinguished service cross if he was just leading like he should which is part of his job description? Isn’t the ADF all about equality? What about the equal recognition? 

Operation Padang Assist was a vital humanitarian operation undertaken in response to the devastating earthquakes that struck Indonesia in 2009. Just as with other operations where service members have been recognised, our deployment involved significant risk and hardship as well as playing a significant and vital role in providing the community of Padang with the necessary humanitarian support in order to recover. Our mission involved delivering critical aid and support to communities in crisis, an effort that was as essential and demanding as other recognised operations.

The precedent exists; similar missions have been rightfully honored. To ignore the contributions of the HMAS KANIMBLA and other defence personnel during this deployment is to ignore the dedication and spirit of service that defines our Armed Forces. Our commitment during Operation Padang Assist mirrored that of other deployments; hence, the recognition should be equal.

We urge the Australian Department of Defence to award the Australian Operational Service Medal (Indo-Pacific) and or the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal to the personnel of HMAS KANIMBLA and other defence personnel who also participated in the deployment for Operation Padang Assist. Recognising our service formally would not only validate our personal sacrifices but demonstrate a fair and just appreciation of all Defence Force members’ contributions to national and international efforts and an equal application of defence Honours and Awards. 

I have personally been through the Royal Commission, Australian Defence Force are engagement processes, after significant indecent and unlawful treatment at the hands of senior leadership within defence and others whom which is joined/served with. If the ADF is genuine in their pursuit to rectify the damage they have caused to the lives of several current and former serving veterans, I ask them to respectfully consider this petition and award those who were deployed the recognition we collectively believe we are rightly deserving of. Highlighting those like my self who battle with major mental health issues as a result of my adf service, of which consists of major depressive cycles because of the lack of this recognition as it is a consistent reminder of my service and sacrifice being thrown in my face and pushed a side with complete disregard. 

Please Join us in seeking this well-deserved recognition for the brave men and women who served aboard HMAS KANIMBLA and with other attached defence personnel who were deployed. Sign this petition to help correct this oversight and honour our service.

Ableseaman Daniel Luland - Veteran Royal Australian Navy. PMKEYS 8533569