Gallantry Decorations - March 2026

Overview

The Gazette, issued on 14 February 2026, announces the awarding of Gallantry Decorations by the Governor-General, recognising acts of exceptional bravery and service by military personnel. The Medal for Gallantry (MG) is bestowed upon Sergeant Garry John Chad for his courageous actions during a hazardous operation with 7 Platoon, 4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment in Long Khanh Province, Vietnam, on 29 July 1971. Additionally, the late Norman Ted Nye is recognised posthumously for his gallantry as a tank driver with the 2/6th Armoured Regiment during World War II at Buna, New Guinea, on 24 December 1942. The Gazette also notes the cancellation of previously awarded Mentions in Despatches for these acts of bravery, reflecting the highest level of commendation now conferred. The Governor-General's announcement is a formal acknowledgment of the profound bravery and sacrifice of these individuals, as per the authority vested in the Governor-General by the Parliament of Australia.

Scope and Application

The Gazette C2026G00120 pertains to the announcement of Gallantry Decorations for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional bravery and courage in the line of duty. This act applies to specific individuals who have performed acts of gallantry in hazardous situations, with recognition being given both retrospectively and posthumously. The recognition is awarded by the Governor-General and serves to honour the service and sacrifices made by these individuals in defence of their country. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this act is national, as it is administered under the authority of the Commonwealth of Australia. The act does not specify exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds for eligibility, implying that any acts of gallantry meeting the criteria could be considered for recognition. The application of the act may be further defined or extended through subordinate instruments, although the Gazette itself provides the primary announcement and details of the awards.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Gazette, C2026G00120, involve the announcement and recognition of gallantry decorations for two individuals: Sergeant Garry John Chad and the late Mr Norman Ted Nye. Section 1 of the Gazette specifies that Sergeant Chad has been awarded the Medal for Gallantry (MG) for his acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances during his service with 7 Platoon, 4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment in Long Khanh Province, Vietnam on 29 July 1971. Furthermore, the Mention in Despatches awarded in July 1972 for the same action has been cancelled in recognition of this higher honour. Section 2 details that the late Mr Nye has been awarded the Medal for Gallantry (MG) for his acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances as a tank driver from the 2/6th Armoured Regiment in World War II at Buna, New Guinea on 24 December 1942. Additionally, the Mention in Despatches awarded in December 1943 for the same action has been cancelled. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act are primarily ceremonial and recognition-based. The Gazette, as an official government publication, serves to inform the public and relevant stakeholders of the awarded decorations. This includes the formal cancellation of previously awarded Mentions in Despatches for the same actions, as detailed in Sections 1 and 2 of the Gazette. The Governor-General's command, as conveyed by Gerard Martin PSM, the Official Secretary, formalises the announcement and ensures the proper protocol is followed in recognising these acts of gallantry. In terms of offences, penalties, or consequences for breach, the Gazette itself does not specify any such provisions. The focus of the Gazette is on the formal recognition and announcement of gallantry decorations, rather than on punitive measures. However, it is important to note that the integrity of the awarding process and the recognition of acts of gallantry is of utmost importance, and any breaches or misconduct related to these processes could potentially lead to further legal or administrative consequences. These consequences would not be detailed within the Gazette but would be governed by separate legislative and military protocols. Overall, the key focus of the Gazette, C2026G00120, is the formal recognition of acts of gallantry by two distinguished individuals, Sergeant Garry John Chad and the late Mr Norman Ted Nye. The Gazette serves to annul previously awarded Mentions in Despatches for the same actions and to elevate these acts to the honour of the Medal for Gallantry. The obligations and requirements revolve around the formal announcement and recognition process, with no specified penalties or consequences for breach within the text of the Gazette itself.