Overview

The C2015G00221 Act, which was enacted in 2015, addresses the gap in recognising the bravery and courage of Australian prisoners of war from World War II, particularly those who died during escape attempts or were executed after being recaptured by Japanese forces. This legislation was approved by the Governor-General and is intended to formally commend the actions of such individuals, ensuring their sacrifices and gallantry are acknowledged. The policy objective of the Act is to honour the bravery of Australian service personnel who demonstrated exceptional courage under extreme duress, thereby filling a significant void in the recognition of their wartime service. The Act was enacted by the Australian Parliament, reflecting a national commitment to remembering and celebrating the valour of its military history.

Scope and Application

The C2015G00221 gazette provides information regarding a government recognition of bravery and courage by an Australian Far East Prisoner of War during World War II, specifically Sergeant Clifford Edmond Danaher. This gazette applies to Sergeant Danaher and honours his actions, which were undertaken while he was a prisoner of war. The recognition is in the form of a Commendation for Gallantry for acts of gallantry in action, and it applies to the conduct of Sergeant Danaher during his time as a prisoner of war. The scope of this act is limited to the specific case of Sergeant Danaher and does not extend to any other persons, entities, industries, conduct, or transactions. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this gazette is limited to Australian nationals and the Commonwealth of Australia. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds in this gazette. The gazette does not extend or restrict application through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the C2015G00221 Gazette, which relates to the awarding of a Commendation for Gallantry to Sergeant Clifford Edmond Danaher, include the recognition of acts of bravery and courage during his time as a prisoner of war (section 1). This recognition is specifically for gallantry in action while a prisoner of war, and is bestowed posthumously in honour of Sergeant Danaher's bravery and courage, as well as his ultimate sacrifice during World War II (section 2). The Gazette highlights the bravery of Sergeant Danaher, who either died while escaping from Japanese forces or was executed following recapture, underscoring the extreme circumstances under which his gallantry was demonstrated (section 3). The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act are primarily related to the formal recognition and documentation of the bravery exhibited by Sergeant Danaher. This involves the official announcement and notification of the award through the Gazette, ensuring that the deeds of gallantry are formally acknowledged by the government and recorded for posterity (section 4). Additionally, the Act mandates that the Commendation for Gallantry be presented in a manner that honours the memory of Sergeant Danaher and reflects the gravity of his actions and sacrifices (section 5). The obligation extends to ensuring that the award is formally documented and that the recognition is appropriately communicated to relevant stakeholders. There are no specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences outlined in the Gazette regarding the Commendation for Gallantry awarded to Sergeant Danaher. The primary purpose of the document is to commemorate and honour the bravery of an individual who exhibited exceptional courage under dire circumstances, rather than to establish legal consequences for non-compliance (section 6). The recognition itself is a solemn and respectful tribute, and the Gazette serves to ensure that the deeds of Sergeant Danaher are formally and appropriately acknowledged by the Australian government. The focus remains on honouring the memory and sacrifice of Sergeant Danaher, rather than on punitive measures or legal repercussions.