The Department of Defence has hit back at claims it lied to former soldiers across the Riverina.
It comes after army veteran Bob Bak said the government had incorrectly labelled the military service of almost 9000 men during an overseas operation.
But, reports containing details the operation at RAAF Butterworth Air Base between 1970 and 1989, have since revealed this was inaccurate.
As a result, veterans say they have been stripped of a deserved “war-like service” recognition and its associated entitlements. They have since called for a public inquiry into the matter.
Despite these claims, the Department of Defence last week said Australian Defence Force service at Butterworth had been examined across several independent reviews, that found it to be peace-time service.
“Defence has responded to a number of claims for reclassification of Rifle Company Butterworth service,” a statement read.
“These claims were investigated through extensive research of available records … and found personnel were not engaged in duty relating to warlike operations.”
A department spokesperson said the role of the company was to provide a ground presence, to conduct training and to assist, if required, in the protection of assets.
“Unless authorised, (the company) was not to be involved in local civil disturbances or … security operations outside (base),” the spokesperson said.
ENDS
RCB Review Group’s comments on Defence’s rebuttal above and previous rebuttals
Our rebuttal of Defence statements made by the then Minister Stuart Robert and his staff at the House of Representatives Petition Committee in 2014 can be seen hereThe Government did not respond to that document
Following that, two letters were sent to PM Turnbull seeking his personal intervention and if declined then to appoint an independent (of Government) inquiry. Neither was given.
In our submissions we asked to meet with the Ministers’ officers to discuss the new evidence supporting our claim. We are still waiting.
