Gallantry Decorations - December 2025

Overview

The Gazette C2025G00682, issued on 28 October 2025, announces the Gallantry Decorations for December 2025, recognising exceptional acts of bravery by Australians. The Medal for Gallantry (MG) has been posthumously awarded to the late Lance Corporal Kerry Michael Rooney for his conspicuous gallantry in action in South Vietnam on 17 February 1967, where he displayed extraordinary bravery as a Section Commander. Additionally, the Commendation for Gallantry has been awarded to Colonel Geoffrey Charles Skardon (Retd) for his gallant actions in August 1964. These awards underscore the Australian Government's commitment to honouring the bravery and sacrifice of its citizens, as conveyed through the Governor-General's command.

Scope and Application

The Medal for Gallantry (MG) and Commendation for Gallantry are awards presented to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional bravery and courage in dangerous situations, recognising their selfless acts of heroism. These awards apply to any Australian citizen, permanent resident, or member of the Australian Defence Force who has exhibited outstanding gallantry, irrespective of whether the act was performed in Australia or overseas. The awards are national in scope, reflecting the Commonwealth's recognition of acts of bravery that align with the values of courage and self-sacrifice. While the primary focus is on acts of extreme bravery, there are no specific exclusions or exemptions outlined in the legislation; rather, the eligibility is determined by the nature and circumstances of the act of gallantry itself. The application and interpretation of these awards may be further detailed through subordinate instruments, which may provide additional guidelines or criteria for assessment.

Key Provisions

The primary sections of the Gazette (C2025G00682) that are operative involve the announcement and details of Gallantry Decorations awarded by the Governor-General (sections 1-3). Section 1 provides the formal announcement of the awards, while sections 2 and 3 offer specific details about the recipients and their acts of gallantry. For instance, the Medal for Gallantry (MG) is awarded to the late Lance Corporal Kerry Michael Rooney for his conspicuous bravery in South Vietnam during Operation BRIBIE on 17 February 1967 (section 2). Similarly, Colonel Geoffrey Charles Skardon (Retd) is recognised with a Commendation for Gallantry for his gallant acts in August 1964 (section 3). These sections serve to honour and recognise the bravery of the recipients through formal government acknowledgment. The Act imposes certain obligations and requirements on the entities and parties it governs. Primarily, it mandates the Governor-General to publicly announce and detail the recipients of Gallantry Decorations. This includes providing specific acts of gallantry and the circumstances under which they occurred, ensuring transparency and recognition. Additionally, the Gazette requires that the recipients be duly acknowledged and honoured in a formal and public manner, reflecting the high esteem in which their bravery is held. The Act also requires that the recipients, or their next of kin in the case of posthumous awards, be informed and provided with the necessary documentation to commemorate the honour. The Gazette (C2025G00682) does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breach within its text. However, the formal nature of the announcements and the recognition of bravery implies a high standard of integrity and accuracy in reporting. Any breaches in the process of awarding or detailing these decorations could potentially result in legal or administrative consequences, though these are not detailed within the provided text. The Gazette's purpose is to honour and recognise gallantry, and any deviation from this purpose could be subject to scrutiny and possible repercussions.